Life cycle and seasonal infestation of Erionota torus Evans (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) on banana in Shimoga, Karnataka
Abstract
In the present investigation the life cycle, distribution and seasonal infestation of Erionata torus on banana crop at two locations viz., Agasavalli and Mandagadde in Shimoga district of Karnataka were studied. Medium number of banana skipper was noted throughout the cropping season. The seasonal incidence was studied from first week of October 2017 to April 2018. During the study, it was found that the percentage of infestation increased from October to February and it gradually decreased. There was a slight variation in the percentage of infestation at both study areas. The current outbreaks in south India may be due to possible climate shifts and non-availability of adequate natural enemies.