Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

ADULT EMERGENCE PATTERN OF LEUCOPHOLIS BURMEISTERI BRENSKE (COLEOPTERA : SCARABAEIDAE) INFESTING ARECA NUT IN COASTAL KARNATAKA

C.M. Kalleshwaraswamy, S.K. Adarsha, N.L. Naveena and B. B. Kumar

Abstract

White grubs, Leucopholis burmeisteri Brenske (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) is one of the important insect pests infesting areca nut in costal region of Karnataka. They feed on roots causing reduced number of roots, loss of anchorage, stem tapering, reduced number of fronds, yellowing of leaves, yield reduction and death of the plants. The biological and ecological aspects of this species are scanty. The aim of this study was therefore to understand the adult emergence pattern of this species to provide information on its management. The adult emergence pattern of L. burmeisteri was observed daily in the rainy season, starting from June to November during 2013 and 2014. The temporal emergence of adults was analyzed. Adult emergence period was noticed only between June I week to July IV week and no adults emerged after July. Emergence restricted to 18.00h to 22.00h in a day within this period peak emergence of adult beetles was noticed from 1900 to 2000 h. Local weather parameters had no influence on adult emergence even though maximum temperature and Relative humidity had significant effect on emergence. Female biased sex ratio was observed (male: female; 1:2.52 and 1:1.57 in 2013 and 2014, respectively). The implications of the study in developing IPM practices for this pest are discussed.