A new record of Streblote helpsi Holloway (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) as pest on Avicennia marina from the mangroves of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Avicennia marina the common species found in the mangroves of Mumbai region is often attacked by different defoliating pests. Pest surveys were made to record the occurrence of pest problems in the mangroves of Airoli and Vashi creek during the period from 2017 to 2018. The study revealed a new report of defoliating pest Streblote helpsi Holloway on A. marina in this region. This caterpillar larvae causes moderate to severe level of damage to the plants both in nursery, plantation and in natural mangrove eco-system. The intensity of attack was assessed and the biology of the pest was also studied and reported.