Host range, suitability of host plants as food, and seasonal abundance of the bagworm moth, Pteroma plagiophleps Hamps (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) in Bangladesh.
Howlader M. A.
Author Affiliation: Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000 Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Journal of Zoology 20 : 177-183
Abstract : The biology of Pteroma plagiophleps, a pest of the ornamental plant Delonix regia in Bangladesh, was studied in the laboratory and field in 1976-80 and 1986-91. Among 12 host plants recorded, 5 were observed in 1976-80 and 7 in 1986-91, indicating invasion of new host plants. In the laboratory, D. regia and Lagerstroemia indica were the most suitable, and Albizzia procera, Peltophorum inerme, Swietenia mahagoni, Spondias mangifera [S. pinnata] and Ixora coccinea were marginally suitable; the other food plants tested were inferior as larval food. The seasonal abundance and levels of infestation of 4 main food plants are given; infestation occurred throughout the year and was highest in August-September, and D. regia was the most heavily infested.