Studies on Seed Borer, Plodia interpunctella Hubner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Infesting Seeds of Chilgoza Pine (Pinus gerardiana Wall.)

Chilgoza seeds which are produced by Chilgozapine (Pinus gerardiana Wall.) are economically important and are heavily attacked by both insect borers and pathogens. The seed borer identified as, the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella Hübner (Indian meal moth) is reported for the first time infesting the seeds of Chilgozapine (Pinus gerardiana Wall.). It is a Pyralid moth belonging to the family Pyralidae (Lepidoptera). Its Larvae (caterpillar) are commonly known as 'waxworms'. During the present study genital and wing venation of this species has been studied to update the taxonomic characterization. Complete biology had been studied on the new host (seeds of Chilgozapine).