Defoliation of mango trees by caterpillar

EUPROCTIS SCINTILLANS belongs to the order Lepidoptera and family Lymantridae. Euproctis include a large number of small sized yellow-orange moths.

The larvae is characterised in having a distinct tuft of hair on the body. Euproctis scintillans generally feeds on linseed, bindhi, bajra and probably other related plants.It also attacks mango. Females lay eggs in clusters on the host leaves and covers them with brown hairs.

Life-cycle consists of six larval instars with a total duration of 24-28 days. Pupal period lasts for 8-10 days. The larvae differ from other related species like E.lunata and E.fraterna in having a light brown colour.

The adults resemble E.fraterna except for the deep yellow colour. They peak during July-August. Biological control agents - Apantelus cirpicola (Braconidae) Eurytoma braconids (Eurytomidae) and Brachymeria. Keep the pest at bay.

A. Babu, S. Albert & S. Ignacimuthu

Entomology Research Institute Loyola College, Chennai 600 034

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