Abstract
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is an ecologically and economically important multipurpose perennial shrub of family Urticaceae. Here, we report heavy infestation by caterpillars of Indian tortoiseshell (Aglais caschmirensis aesis Fruhstorfer, 1912) on leaves of the plant at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, located in the Western Himalayan region. The infestation resulting in complete defoliation was recorded from April to November in the years 2020 and 2021. A life cycle study revealed 30 days as the life span of the insect. The insect may be an important component of the Integrated Weed Management system to manage the plant where its growth is undesired. Alternatively, an Integrated Pest Management system needs to be developed for sustainable management of the insect.
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Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to Dr. Mohammad Arif, Ex. Scientist, Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research, Haldwani, Uttarakhand, India, for help in taxonomic identification of the insect species. Financial support from Defence Research & Development Organisation, New Delhi, India, is gratefully acknowledged.
Significant statement
The present correspondence reports a life cycle study of an insect Indian tortoiseshell (Aglais caschmirensis aesis) that causes heavy infestation on stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.), an economically and ecologically important medicinal shrub of the Western Himalaya.
Funding
Funding was provided by Defence Research and Development Organisation (Grant No. DIB-78).
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Patade, V.Y., Singh, N. & Bala, M. Heavy Infestation by Indian Tortoiseshell Caterpillars (Aglais caschmirensis aesis) on Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) Plants at Kumaon Hills of the Western Himalaya. Natl. Acad. Sci. Lett. 45, 441–444 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40009-022-01156-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40009-022-01156-0