Bionomics and Control of <I>Philosamia</I> (Attacus) <I>Cynthia</I> Drury (Leptdoptera : Saturnitdae)

Abstract

The deffotiation epidemic in ailanthus excelsa roxb in satyanarain research nursery was studies. The insect responsible for epidemic was philosamia cythia drury. This is a polyphagous pest and reported for the first time as deffolator of ailanthus excelsa Egg, larva, pups and adult of the species are described and notes on their biology are given. A fungal pathogen, beauveria basslana(Balsama) Vulliemin has been recorded killing the larvae of P.cynthia in the field. The pathogen appears to be a promising organism for microbial control of Ailanthus deffolator in the field.