Browsing by Author "Prathapan, K D"

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Chaetocnema species of south India (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini)
(Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2025-04-10) Sandra Maria Mathew.; Prathapan, K D
The present study entitled “Chaetocnema species of south India (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini)” was carried out at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani from September 2019–September 2024. The study was designed with the objectives of collection and identification of Chaetocnema species from south India, documentation of host plants and other ecological data in all possible cases, preparation of illustrations and descriptions, with emphasis on characters of the male and female genitalia and preparation of an illustrated key to species. The study area encompasses the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa and Andhra Pradesh. Two thousand six hundred and fifty-two specimens belonging to 29 species from south India were studied. Detailed descriptions and diagnosis with color photographs of dorsal, ventral and lateral habiti as well as other diagnostic characters, including male and female genitalia, were prepared. Relevant measurements and proportions were worked out. An illustrated key to Chaetocnema species of south India is provided. Three putative new species are described and illustrated. These were collected from Kollam and Malappuram districts in Kerala and Madurai district in Tamil Nadu. Type specimens of ChaetocnemanagpurensisDuvivier, 1892 are lost and hence a neotype is designated for nomenclatural stability. Male genitalia of C. reteimpunctata and female genitalia of C. appendiculata, C. paraumesaoi, C. latapronota and C. westwoodi are newly described and illustrated. Eighteen new host plants are recorded: C. puncticollis on Celosia argentea L., Amaranthusspinosus L., A. viridis L., A. dubius Mart. ex Thell, Alternantheratenella var. bettzichiania (Regel) Veldkamp, Allmanianodiflora (L.) R. Br. Ex Wight (Amaranthaceae), Basella sp. (Basellaceae); Spinaciaoleracea L. (Chenopodiaceae); C. bella on Panicumsumatrense Roth. Ex Roemer and Schultes, Cynodondactylon Pers., Oryzasativa L., Eleucineindica (L.) Gaertn., Brachiariadistachya (L.) Stapf, Brachiariamutica (Forssk.) Stapf, (Poaceae); C. gracilis and C. yiei on Oryzasativa L., C.brettinghami, C. concinnipennis on Cynodondactylon Pers. (Poaceae), and C. angustifrons on Brachiariamutica (Forssk.) Stapf (Poaceae), C. modesta on Setariahomonyma (Steud.) Chiov., Eleucineindica (L.) Gaertn., Cynodondactylon Pers., Oryzasativa L. and Brachiariamutica (Forssk.) Stapf (Poaceae). The following are new records for India: C. kingpinensis from Meghalaya and Manipur, C. yunnanica from Manipur, C. tristis from Meghalaya, C. angustifrons from Kerala and Tamil Nadu and C. reteimpunctata from Kerala. Taxonomic significance of labrum and characters of the elytralepipleura in Chaetocnema were discovered and used during this study. Angle of articulation of labrum with the long axis of the body was found to be a species-specific character. Epipleura are punctured in: C. puncticollis, C. bella, C. bretinghami. C concinnipennis, C.malayana, C. paraumesai, C. pusaensis, C. reteimpunctata (shallow punctures), C. westwoodi, Chaetocnema sp. 2, Chaetocnema sp. 3, C. nigrica, C. latapronota and C. midimpunctata. In all other species epipleura are impunctate.
Effect of chitin synthesis inhibitors on rice swarming caterpillar spodoptera mauritia and rice moth corcyra cephalonica and a larval parasitoid bracon brevicornis
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1991) Prathapan, K D; Dale, D
Eumolpinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) of southern India
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2021) Amritha Kumari, S; Prathapan, K D
The present study entitled “The Eumolpinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) of southern India” was carried out at Collage of Agriculture, Vellayani from October 2015 to March 2020. The study was designed with the objectives of collection and identification of the eumolpine leaf beetles of south India, preparation of illustrated keys to genera and species with emphasis on the characters of male and female genitalia and documentation of host plants in all possible cases. One thousand five hundred and two specimens from various ecosystems in south India were studied. Hand picking, aspiration, sweep netting and light traps were used to collect eumolpines. Specimens were also procured on loan basis from different institutions in India and abroad. Collected specimens were mounted and labelled. Available ecological and biological information was gathered in all cases. Genitalia was dissected as per standard procedures. Inflation and eversion of endophallus follow Yamasako & Obhayashi (2011). Specimens were identified tentatively based on the available literature and then confirmed by comparing with type specimens or consulting with experts. Measurements were made with a calibrated ocular micrometer and pertinent ratios were worked out. Illustrated keys, descriptions and diagnosis are provided. Male genitalia, including endophallus and female genitalia are described and illustrated. The Afrotropical genus Microeurydemus is newly reported from the Oriental Region. Malegia and Scelolanka are new reports to India. Pagria ingibbosa, P. ceylonica and P. pseudograta are new species records for India. Range of distribution of Basilepta subcostata and Trichochrysea are extended to south India. Tricliona Lefèvre, 1885 new snynonym is a new junior synonym of Bathseba Motschulsky, 1866. Neofidia Strother new name, is proposed as the replacement name for Fidia Baly, 1863, a junior homonym of Fidia Motschulsky, 1861. Bathseba syzygium n. sp. and Pseudostonopa palynophaga n. sp. are described as new to science. Eleven putative new species in the genera Mesocolaspis, Malegia, Microeurydemus, Basilepta, Cleoporus, Dermorhytis, Edistus, Pagria, Scelolanka and Trichochrysea were described. New host plant records include Anacardium occidentale L. (for Fidia kanaraensis), Ixora (for Eurypelta modesta), Aegle marmelos (for Colasposoma downesi), Mallotus atrovirens (for Cleoporus inornatus), Antidesma acidum (for Edistus sp.), Milletia pinnata (for Scelolanka). Bathseba syzygium n. sp. has been reported on Syzygium cumini and Pseudostonopa palynophaga n. sp. has been reported as a pollen feeder of Poaceae. Pagria signata species group warrants further investigations, due to inconsistencies in morphological, genetalic and molecular characters. The eumolpine leaf beetle fauna of south India comprises 146 species placed in 35 genera. Checklist of Eumolpinae of south India is provided. The study treated 53 species under 20 genera. Two new species, 11 putative new species in 10 genera, 12 new host plant records, several new distributional records and new characters of taxonomic value are reported. Nomenclature of many economically important eumolpines are updated.
Galerucine leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Galerucini) of southern India
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2021) Viswajyothi, K; Prathapan, K D
The study entitled ‘The galerucine leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Galerucini) of southern India’ was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during September 2016−April 2021. The study was designed with the objectives of collection and identification of galerucine leaf beetles of southern India; documentation of host plants and other ecological data in all possible cases; preparation of illustrations and descriptions, with emphasis on characters of male and female genitalia; and preparation of an illustrated key to species. The study area encompasses the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Eight hundred and thirty-three specimens belonging to 41 species in 27 genera were studied. Detailed descriptions were prepared, with colour photographs of dorsal, ventral, lateral and anterior habitus as well as diagnostic characters, including male and female genitalia. Additionally, internal sac or endophallus was everted in relevant and possible cases and illustrated. Measurements and proportions are provided. An illustrated key to select genera and species of Galerucini of south India is given. A checklist of known galerucine leaf beetles of south India is provided. Two putative new genera and two putative new species are described and illustrated. A new species Charaea sahyadrica Bezdek and Viswajyothi was published from this study. The habiti of 20 species in colour, male genitalia of 22 species and female genitalia of 24 species are given for the first time. Twenty-seven new host plants, including eleven (40.7%) economically important ones, were recorded. New host plant records are Aulacophora calva on Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, Cucumis sativus L. and Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poir. (Cucurbitaceae); A. cincta on Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard (Sapotaceae); A. frontalis on Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour. (Cucurbitaceae); A. impressa on Cucumis sativus L., Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poir. and Trichosanthes cucumerina L. (Cucurbitaceae); A. opacipennis on Momordica charantia L. and Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour. (Cucurbitaceae); Cassena bengalensis on Mucuna bracteata (L.) DC. (Fabaceae); Erganoides flavicollis on Naravelia ceylanica (L.) DC. (Ranunculaceae) and an unidentified legume (Fabaceae); Galerotella sp. on Cayratia Juss. sp. (Vitaceae); Hoplosaenidea indica on Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) R. N. Parker (Meliaceae); Monolepta longitarsis on Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae) and Spondias pinnata (L. f.) Kurz (Anacardiaceae); Oides affinis on Spermacoce hispida L. and Spermacoce ocymoides Burm.F. (Rubiaceae); Oides flava (Olivier) on Cayratia sp. (Vitaceae); Gallerucida sp. on Cayratia sp.; Sphenoraia hopei on Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC. (Fabaceae) and Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae); Trichomimastra hirsuta on Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) (Myrtaceae); Genus 1 on Spatholobus parviflorus (DC.) Kuntze (Fabaceae) and Genus 2 on Aporosa lindleyana (Wight) Baill. (Phyllanthaceae). New distribution records include two new country records and 10 new state records. The new records to India are A. opacipennis in Karnataka and Kerala and A. tibialis in Kerala. The new records to Kerala are A. frontalis; Cassena bengalensis; Erganoides flavicollis; Galerotella simplicicollis; Kanarella unicolor; Liroetes apicicornis; Mimastra alternata; Oides flava (Olivier); Genus 1 and Genus 2. The new records to Karnataka are Aulacophora parambikulamensis; Hoplasoma costatipennis; Mimastracella hirsuta; Sastroides besucheti and Trichomimastra hirsuta. Aulacophora calva is being reported for the first time in Karnataka and Kerala.
Identity, morphology and natural history of lema species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Criocerinae) infesting orchids (Asparagales: Orchidaceae) in India
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2021-12-21) Akshaja Suresh; Prathapan, K D
The present study entitled “Identity, morphology and natural history of Lema species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Criocerinae) infesting orchids (Asparagales: Orchidaceae) in India” was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani from 2019-2021 to ascertain identity of the Lema species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Criocerinae) infesting orchids in India and describe them; and study the immature stages as well as lifecycle of Lema sp. infesting orchids in south India. The orchids in north-east India are attacked by Lema pectoralis unicolor Clark, distributed in China and the Indo-Malayan subregion. The Lema beetles attacking orchids in south India (Kumari and Lyla, 2001) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Baskaran et al., 2016; Bharathimeena, 2016) belongs to a new species, here named as L. vimala n. sp. This is the first report of L. pectoralis unicolor in India. The beetles infesting south Indian orchids were collected from different orchid farms in Thiruvanathapuram. It was reared under laboratory conditions and the life cycle was studied in detail. The external morphology of Lema pectoralis unicolor and Lema vimala n. sp. was studied, illustrated and descriptions were prepared. The male and female genitalia of both the species were dissected, studied and photographed. Endophallus of L. vimala n. sp. was fully everted and the endophallic sclerites were studied and illustrated. Illustrations and descriptions of egg, and final instar larvae as well as pupa were prepared. The duration of life cycle ranged from 19 to 24 days, with egg period of 2 to 5 days, larval period of 5 to 9 days and pupal period of 10 to 14 days. The adults lived for 68 to 170 days. Other biological observations such as feeding and breeding behavior were also recorded. Eggs were found only on flowers and the grubs fed only on flowers while the adults fed on flowers, epiphytic roots and leaves. The grubs carry fecal shield on their back. Egg cannibalism by first instar grubs was recorded. Adults perform thanatosis. Pediobius sp. on eggs, Tetrastichus sp. nr julis on larva, and an unidentified Ichneumonidae on pupa were the parasitoids recorded on L. vimala n. sp.
Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of southern India
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2021) Sangamesh R Hiremath; Prathapan, K D
The present study entitled “The Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of southern India” was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2015 to 2020 with the objectives of collection and identification of the flat faced long-horned beetles (Lamiinae) of southern India, preparation of descriptions and illustrated key to species, with emphasis on characters of male and female genitalia and documentation of host plants in all possible cases. The specimens were collected using different methods viz., hand picking, sweep netting, light traps, jackfruit twig trap and rearing from the infected plant parts. The specimens were processed following the standard procedures. Similarly, dissections, photographs and illustrations were prepared. Details of the specimens examined and the measurements of different body parts including that of male and female genitalia are included under each species. All the species included in the present study were identified using available literature. Taxon descriptions were prepared by considering all the morphological variations and also including the variations of male and female genitalia wherever available. A checklist of the species and illustrated key to the genera documented in the present study are also provided. Present study has generated taxonomic and ecological information on the Lamiinae fauna of south India. Sixty six species belonging to 41 genera of south Indian Lamiinae were studied. Detailed descriptions and illustrations, including that of male and female genitalia, are provided. Species-wise distribution and host plant data are furnished wherever available. Ecological information is also provided for a few of the species. Descriptions of two new species, Miccolamia ferruginea and Notomulciber viraktamathi were published. These include species descriptions, key to Indian species of the respective genera and a discussion on the need for redefinition of the respective subgenera. Description of the male of Monochamus shembaganurensis, with additional information on its distribution, was published. Four new species were recognised, one each belonging to the genera Eunidia and Falsoropica and two of Glenea. New distributional and ecological data are furnished for Acalolepta tenuipes, Agelasta quadrimaculata, Apomecyna saltator, Apriona trilineata, Batocera rufomaculata, Coptops aedificator, Epepeotes uncinatus, Eucomatocera vittata, Eunidia bicolor, Eunidia variegata, Eunidia simplex, Exocentrus (Camptomyne) vittatus, Hirtaeschopalaea albolineata, Macrochenus tigrinus, Nupserha bicolor, Olenecamptus bilobus, Phelipara indica, Sthenias grisator, Sybra praeusta, Thylactus angularis, Zotalemimon posticatum and Zotalemimon procerum. Among the south Indian Lamiinae, Apomecyna saltator, Batocera rufomaculata, Celosterna scabrator, Cleonaria bicolor, Coptops aedificator, Glenea multiguttata, Nupserha bicolor, Olenecamptus bilobus, Sthenias grisator and Sybra praeusta are well known pestiferous species. There are many Lamiinae still awaiting discovery and formal naming. Hence, studies encompassing the different ecozones of the country are sure to add several new species of flat faced longhorned beetles to the Indian fauna. Many species are known only by original descriptions based on a single specimen. Hence, there is an urgent need for intensive studies to generate information on their natural history. Future studies should concentrate on revising and updating the taxonomy of Lamiinae of economic importance so as to develop effective IPM programmes. To promote and facilitate studies on biodiversity and conservation of the native fauna of longhorned beetles, there is an urgent need to digitalize the type specimens of Indian Cerambycidae deposited in several European natural history museums besides developing a database with interactive keys for easy identification. The future taxonomic works on Indian Cerambycidae should also aim for Phylogeny of Indian fauna based on integrative taxonomy.
Natural history of the curry leaf tortoise beetle Silana farinosa (Boheman, 1856) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae, Cassidini) in Kerala
(Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2024-04-06) Sneha, M Sabu.; Prathapan, K D
The study entitled “Natural history of the curry leaf tortoise beetle Silana farinosa (Boheman, 1856) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae, Cassidini) in Kerala” was carried out at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2022-2023. The main objectives were to study the external morphology, genitalia, immature stages, life history, seasonality and natural enemies of the curry leaf tortoise beetle Silana farinosa. The curry leaf tortoise beetle, S. farinosa is a major defoliating pest of Bergera koenigii (L.) (= Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.) (Sapindales, Rutaceae). Originally described from Sri Lanka, Premila et al. (2003) reported its occurrence in India from Kerala. External morphology of all life stages of the pest were studied, illustrated and detailed descriptions were prepared using light microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy. A laboratory culture was established and the life history, behaviour, nature and intensity of damage, seasonality and natural enemies were studied. Adults are 6.39–7.85 mm long and can be separated from other Cassidini by the second antennomere subequal to third; pronotum with explanate margin separated from disc by a deep, longitudinal groove on either side; pronotum basally with a shallow transverse depression in front of scutellum; pronotum and elytra with short setae, especially towards lateral sides; and the dorsum of adult in life is covered with white, powdery, waxy coating. Other salient characters of the species include aedeagus in ventral view with broadly truncate apex; spermatheca is long, hookshaped; fully everted endophallus has several lobes and a long sclerite apically. Genitalia in S. farinosa has been studied and illustrated for the first time. Sexual dimorphism in S. farinosa was observed for the first time. The last female ventrite has curved, minute ridges and a window, visible in macerated specimens. Final instar larvae measured 4.26–7.24 mm long and 1.42–2.8 mm wide. Stemmata 6; four in a curved line, equidistant; 5, 6 ventral. Mandible palmate with 6 sharp denticles. Pronotum pigmented, overlapping head, margin with three pairs of scoli, two anterolateral, fused basally, one posterolateral. Mesonotum with three pairs of lateral scoli – one anterolateral, one medio-lateral and one posteriolateral, mediolateral being shortest. Spiracle uniforus, rounded, raised, white on black socket. Pronotum with short, seta bearing, dark, raised randomly distributed pinnacles. Metanotum with two pairs of scoli, anterior pair shorter than posterior. Abdomen 10 segmented, 1 – 8 with a pair of scoli laterally. Segments 9, 10 without scoli. Tergum 8 modified with a pair of long caudal processes, reaching beyond apex of anal tube. First instar 2.24 – 2.69 mm long, 0.76 – 0.78 mm wide. Spiracles 8, elevated, annular biforous. Body with 16 pairs of lateral scoli, and a pair of supraanal processes. All scoli unbranched, tapering towards apex, armed apically with a seta longer than half length of scolus. Pupa 6.66 – 7.03 mm long, 5.35− 6.25 mm wide. Colour creamy white with brown patches. Pronotum widest anteriorly, anterolateral corners slightly produced laterally. Posterolateral corners with a postero-mesally directed, finger-like process. Abdominal tergum VI or VII and beyond covered with exuvia, fecal shield not retained. Eggs are enclosed in ootheca, 3.31 – 3.61 mm long, 4.0 – 4.47 mm wide. Single egg measures 1.08– 1.46 mm long and 0.54 – 0.77 mm wide. Total longevity ranged from 105 – 128 days, with egg period of 6-7 days, larval period of 15–22 days and pupal period of 4–7 days. Five larval instars with duration as follows: I 2 to 3, II 3 to 4; III 3 to 4; IV 3 to 4 and V 4 to 7 days. The lifecycle was completed in about 32 – 41 days (mean 35.6 days). The adults lived for 80-92 days under laboratory conditions. Cycloalexy, a characteristic subsocial defensive behaviour, performed by the larvae of cassidinae, was observed. Mating lasted for about 2–3 hours and mostly occured at night. Female laid about 24 oothecae within a month. Feeding behaviour of all larval instars and adult were recorded. The white powdery coating on the dorsum of adult was fully formed within 6 – 8 days of emergence. Formation of fecal shield and moulting were recorded. Adults exhibited thanatosis, a defensive tactic by feigning death, for about one minute, when they were kept upside down. The population of S. farinosa was directly dependent on the rain. The highest population was observed from 3 July to 2 September 2023. The population declined from 14 March and disappeared by 14 April 2023 and reappeared in May following premonsoon showers. Of the 50 plants observed, 22 (44%) were infested. On the infested plants, 6.7 – 93.8 % of branches were affected (mean 36 %). Proportion of damaged leaves varied from 6.6 – 82.7% (mean 40.5%). The natural enemies of S. farinosa such as predators, Oecophylla smaragdina on larvae, unidentified ants on eggs, a pupal parasitoid Brachymeria apicicornis and native isolates of fungal pathogens Fusarium longifundum and Cordyceps javanica, were reported for the first time. The red ant Oecophylla smaragdina collected and fed on the white powder on the dorsum of the adult. The chemical composition of both white powder and fecal shield was analysed. The white powder contained tetratetracontane and the fecal shield has decanoic acid, both the compounds having anti-microbial property as per literature. Males of Bactrocera cucurbitae and Bactrocera caudatus were found attracted to fecal shield. The male fruit flies are usually attracted to kairomones and feed on them to attain sexual maturity. Hence, we suspect that some attractant chemicals are present in the fecal shield. Hong and Nishida (2005) reported that various species of Bactrocera were attracted to the flowers of Bulbophyllum apertum due to the release of raspberry ketone by the plant. The fecal shield also contains a ketone compound and the possibility of it being an attractant needs to be further explored.
Occurrence of thaia subrufa moptschulsky (Homoptera : Cicadellidae) as a pest of rice
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1993) Prathapan, K D
Shining leaf beetles of south India (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Criocerinae)
(Department of Entomology ,College of Agriculture ,Vellayani, 2025-10-08) Akshaja Suresh; Prathapan, K D
The study entitled ‘Shining leaf beetles of south India (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Criocerinae)’ was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellayani from March 2022 to March 2025, with the major objectives of collection and documentation of shining leaf beetles and the associated ecological data; preparation of descriptions and illustrations including that of genitalia; and provide an illustrated key to south Indian species of Criocerinae. The study area comprised the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Goa. One thousand four hundred and fourteen specimens belonging to 42 species in four genera were studied. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the dorsal, ventral and lateral habiti, frontal view of head, male and female genitalia including everted internal sac of aedeagus or endophallic sclerites are provided. Measurements and pertinent ratios were worked out. An illustrated key to four genera and 41 species of south Indian Criocerinae and a checklist are provided. Detailed morphological descriptions, measurements and photographs of the genitalia of south Indian Criocerinae are given for the first time. Prior to this study, host plant information was available for all the five Indian genera of criocerines; however, at the species level, the same was known for only 14 (11.80%). The present study has added host plants of 13 species of criocerines. These include Crioceris fasciatipennis Jacoby and Lilioceris sp.1 on Smilax zeylanicus L. (Smilacaceae), Lema constrictofasciata Jacoby, Lema fulvula Lacordaire, Lema horni Weise, Lema maindroni Jacoby, Lema nilgiriensis Jacoby, Lema paradoxa Jacoby, Lema signatipennis Jacoby on Commelinaceae, Lema quadripunctata (Olivier) on Costus speciosus (Koenig) (Costaceae), Lema yerburyi Jacoby on Orchidaceae, Lema palpalis Lacordaire, and Lilioceris sp. 2 on Dioscorea sp. (Dioscoreaceae). The study has added three new country records including L. cribricollis Weise, L. westwoodi Jacoby and L. horni Weise from Kerala and 6 new records for south India, including L. cardoni Jacoby, L. constrictofasciata Jacoby, L. flavimana Jacoby,L. suturella Baly, L. jansoni Baly and Oulema downesi (Baly). A research article on the redescription of the economically important pest species Lema yerburyi Jacoby infesting orchids in south India and its biology was published from this study. Its developmental period from egg to adult ranged from 19 to 24 days, with an egg period of 2–5 days, larval period of 5–9 days and pupal period of 10–14 days. The adults lived for 68– 187 days. The host plant of Lema quadripunctata is Costus speciosus (Koenig) (Costaceae). Eggs were laid on tender leaves near the whorls of the pseudostem and the hatching larvae bored into the stem and fed from within, creating tunnels and destroying the growing apical region. Pupation took place in soil. Adults fed on unfurled leaves, making characteristic incisions on the lamina. Field collected beetles lived for 148–156 days in captivity. One hundred and nineteen criocerines are listed for India and 55 for south India. Of the 55 known south Indian species, 37 were recovered in this study. Lema sp. 1, Lema sp. 2, Lilioceris sp. 1 and Lilioceris sp. 2 are putative new species.
Tortoise beetles (coleoptera : chrysomelidae: cassinae) of Kerala
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2020) Amritha Hari; Prathapan, K D
Taxonomic studies on Tortoise beetles (Coleptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) of Kerala were made with the objectives of identification of tortoise beetles of Kerala, provide descriptions and diagnosis of tortoise beetle taxa of Kerala and to gather information on host plants and distribution. Three hundred and eleven specimens from 48 locations were studied. The study treated 33 species of cassidines belonging to 11 genera under four tribes. Ten species previously recorded from the state could not be collected or studied. Description and diagnosis of all the taxa studied are provided. Information on distribution and host plants are also given. The study recognizes 43 species of tortoise beetles, belonging to 11 genera classified under four tribes in Kerala. Of the 12 cassidine tribes, Aspidimorphini, Basiprionotini, Notosacanthini and Cassidini occur in Kerala. Cassidini is the largest tribe represented by 18 species in four genera (Cassida, Chridopsis, Oocassida and Silana), followed by Aspidimorphini with 10 species in 3 genera (Aspidimorpha, Laccoptera and Nilgiriaspis). Basiprionotini, which are large tortoise beetles, are represented by five species in three genera viz. Basiprionota, Craspedonta and Epistictina. Notosacanthini, with a single genus Notosacantha, includes 10 species in Kerala. One genus (Basiprionota) and eight species here recorded are new to Kerala. The species newly recorded for Kerala are Cassida nysea Spaeth, 1926, Craspedonta leayana Latreille, 1807, Nilgiraspis andrewesi Spaeth, 1932, Notosacantha bifenestrella (Boheman, 1862), Notosacantha maduraensis Swietojanska, 2006, Notosacantha shibathai Kimoto, 1981, Notosacantha vicaria Spaeth, 1913 and Oocassida cruenta (Fabricius, 1792), of which Notosacantha shibathai is new to India as well. Trophic selections of cassidines are skewed towards members of Covolvulaceae, followed by Asteraceae, Rhamnaceae, Amaranthaceae, Bignoniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rhizophoraceae, Rutaceae, Fabaceae and Verbenaceae. Seven cassidine species are reported as pests of sweet potato (Aspidimorpha furcata, A. fuscopunctata, A. miliaris, A. sanctaecruces, Laccoptera nepalensis, Cassida circumdata and Chiridopsis bipunctata). Craspedonta lealyana on Gmelina arborea, Silana farinosa on curry leaf, Murraya koenigii and Epistictina reicheana on Stereospermum colais are serious pests.