A note on Paectes subapicalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): A potential Sal defoliator in Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

The present paper reports the findings of field study on the status of a Sal defoliator, Paectes subapicalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Euteliinae), in Madhya Pradesh. Observations clearly revealed that sudden population outburst of this insect occur in Sal forest with the onset of rain in the month of June during the season of leaf flushing and causes epidemic defoliation of Sal tree. The insect showed overlapping generations. Larval incidence was recorded to be about cent per cent. Larvae were observed to be voracious feeder, principally feed on young foliage of Sal. Some observations on the biology and feeding behaviour of this potential Sal defoliator were investigated and discussed in the light of the present findings.