First record of inflorescence caterpillar: Tirathaba rufivena (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on betel nut in Bangladesh

Abstract

Betel nut (Areca catechu) is an important cash crop in Bangladesh and several insect pests’ causes severe damage but study related to insect pests of betel nut is scanty in the country. Then the study was carried out scientifically to document the information of insect pests attacking betel nut in southern region of Bangladesh. The productivity of these palms is affected by number of insect pests. Among them a new pest Inflorescence caterpillar or Oil palm bunch moth or Coconut spike moth: Tirathaba rufivena (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is first recorded in Bangladesh during 2020 which causes damage to inflorescence and developing nuts resulting considerably yield loss. Inflorescence caterpillar T. rufivena is differentiated from other species based on the front wing color. The front wing color of T. rufivena is grayish other species like T. mundella is greenish. It is also recorded that the seasonal average percent infestation of developing nuts was 19.44-21.45% in southern part of Bangladesh. Therefore more research should be undertaken to assess crop loss by this pest and to develop appropriate management option. This is the first record of Tirathaba rufivena on betel nut in Bangladesh.