Studies on the Biology, Ecology, Life History, and Parasite Complex of Ailanthus Defoliator Eligma narcissus Cramer (Noctuidae : Lepidoptera), together with Morphology of Adult and Immature Stages

Raising of Ailanthus in plantations has brought entemological problems in its wake, i.e., epidemics of Eligma narcissus Cramer and Atteva fabriciella Swederus. Distribution of Eligma narcissus follows distribution of genus Ailanthus. Moth large, grey, black and yellow; egg pale white, larva bright sulphur yellow with black and red patches, pupa dark brown. Moth oviposits in clusters, incubation period 3-4 days, larval period 22-23 days and pupal period 15-17 days. There are 8-9 generations a year. Sex ratio is 50:50. Enemy complex, compries of two tachinid parasites, Eutachina civiloides Baranov and Sturmia inconspicuella Baranov; a fungal pathogen, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin; a mantid predator Humbortilla ceylonica Saussere; and a bird predator the black headed oriole-Oriolus xantheornus. Integrated measures, i.e., Biological-cam-silvicultural and mechanical, advised for the control of the pest in plantations.