Seasonal occurrence of teak skeletonizer Eutectona machaeralis (Walker) (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) on Tectona grandis L. (Lamiaceae) in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

A field survey of teak trees grown along roadsides and in farmer’s fields conducted in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, during 2023-2024, revealed a considerable infestation of teak skeletonizer, Eutectona machaeralis (Walker). The incidence of E. machaeralis was recorded in the fifth week of May, ie., 42 standard meteorological week (SMW). The population of E. machaeralis started to increase gradually from the first week (27th SMW) of July in both the years and reached its peak level in the fifth and first weeks (31st and 32nd SMW) of July and August, which started to decline from the second week (33rd SMW) of August and reached its lowest level in the fourth week (48th SMW) of November. The population was nil in the month of December during 2023 and 2024. The higher population was recorded during the year 2023 as compared to 2024.