Species diversity and distribution of Cnaphalocrocis and Scirpophaga (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) species complex in rice in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Crambids are the main insect pests in rice eco-system. The present study is the record of Scirpophaga and Cnaphalocrocis fauna in different rice regions in Tamil Nadu. Collection was carried out during August - February 2015 in different colleges and research stations of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore. Among the Scirpophaga species, the highest population of S. incertulas was recorded in Thirur (76.79%), S. fusciflua recorded highest from Killikulam (5.88%) and S. virginia was only recorded in Thirupathisaram (1.90%) and reported first time from Tamil Nadu in India. In Cnaphalocrocis species, C. patnalis was recorded highest in Killikulam (31.37%) followed by C. medinalis in Killikulam (25.49%), C. ruralis in Coimbatore (23.84%), C. exigua in Thirupathisaram (14.28%), C. poeyalis in Coimbatore (6.62%) and the population of C. trapezalis was recorded highest in Coimbatore (1.98%). Cnaphalocrocis is used as synonym in place of Marasmia in present studies.