New record of Swarming caterpillar Spodoptera mauritia Boisd. (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae) on Safed Musli (Chlorohytum sp.) In Chhattisgarh, India

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

Spodoptera mauritia is one of the major pest of rice and it is distributed all over India. According to the reference book on Entomology by Dr. M.R.G.K. Nair titled "Insects and mites of crops in India" it is mentioned that " The adult of Spodoptera mauritia is a stout build dark - brown moth 15mm in length and 35mm in wing expanse. Egg laying commences 24 hours after mating. The larva feeds on rice leaves, undergoes six instars and grows to a length of 3.7cm. It feeds during night time and hides in soil in day time. The caterpillar is smooth, pale to dark green in colour and with dull dorsal and sub-dorsal stripes. Pupation takes place in soil in an earthen cell. Out break of this pest are more common on broadcast rice sown in ill - drained soils. It is a sporadic pest. Moths migrate from distant sources when weather is moist, warm and calm.

Plants over 20 days old are not attacked. Loss to yield caused by the larval infestation ranges from 10 to 20 percent". From last year, the natives of Bhopalpatnam region of Chhattisgarh are observing heavy infestation of this insect on Safed Musli (Chlorophytum sp.). This year well known traditional healer of the region Shri B. Rao Godbole confirmed this attack. Safed Musli is not under cultivation in this part of Chhattisgarh. Many species of Safed Musli grow naturally in dense forests of Bhopalpatnam region. In general, no insect or disease infest the naturally growing Safed Musli herb. The larva of Spodoptera mauritia is feeding on Safed Musli herb. The larva of Spodoptera mauritia is feeding on Safed Musli leaves and as result, the root size and girth are decreasing. The natives have identified as Rice Swarming Caterpillar and according to them one can see this insect in rice crop easily. The feeding of Spodoptera mauritia on rice leaves has yet not been reported in reference literatures. This article is first written document on this aspect. Shri Godbole sent some live insects with damaged Safed Musli leaves. In my laboratory, I am conducting the detailed study. Its attack on Chlorophytum arundinaceum and Chlorophytum tuberosum is confirmed in initial studies. In captivity, it eats the leaves of cultivated Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) voraciously. Although its attack on cultivated Musli is not observed but in future, there is the possibility of Spodoptera infestation on Safed Musli crop. In general the herb present in wild is considered hardy as compared to the herb under cultivation. According to the natives, its infestation is increasing year by year. The traditional healers specialised in use of the insects feeding on medicinal herbs are keeping close view on this infestation. I am confident that they will never miss the chance to evaluate the medicinal properties of Spodoptera sp. Feeding on Safed Musli. This year, I have warned the Musli growers of Chhattisgarh to take special precaution and in case of attack, inform me immediately. From documentation point of view, this information is very important. I will write more on this aspect after getting details from Bhopalpatnam region and after completion of my experiments.

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