Abstract
The pine lappet moth, Kunugia latipennis Walker (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), is the major insect pest of pines found in the northeastern hilly region of India. Recently, an outbreak of lappet moths was observed in the mid-altitude hills of Meghalaya during May–June 2011. In this report, attempts are made to describe a recent outbreak of K. latipennis in the region. Females were found to be highly fecund and have the potential to cause severe damage to the pine forest. Incubation and pupal period were found to be 8 ± 0.2 days and 16.1 ± 0.3 days, respectively. However, many natural regulatory factors were observed during the course of time, which had substantial impact on their survival: these include mainly extreme weather fluctuations and natural enemies. Moths were found to be positively phototrophic; therefore, light traps could be the best option to manage the outbreak.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Anon. (2011). Pine-tree lappet moth – Questions and answers. Web publication: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-8AFLRB. Accessed 29 September 2011.
Chhetri, R. B. (2010). Ethnobotany of Moraceae in Meghalaya, North East India. Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology, 6, 5–10.
Hutacharern, C., & Tubtim, M. (1995). Checklist of forest insects in Thailand. Office of Environmental and Policy Planning, Bangkok, Thailand. Web publication: http://www.google.co.in/search?q=Hutacharern%2C+C+and+Tubtim%2C+M.+%281995%29.+Checklist+of+forest+Insects+in+Thailand.+&btnG=Search&hl=en&rlz=&gs_sm=12&gs_upl=14266l14266l0l14688l1l1l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0l0. Accessed 29 September 2011.
Jou Hsiao, K. (1982). Forest entomology in China- a general review. Crop Protection, 1, 359–367.
Mishra, B. P. (2010). A study on the micro-environment, litter accumulation on forest floor and available nutrients in the soils of broadleaved, mixed pine and pine forests at two distinct altitudes in Meghalaya, North East India. Current Science, 99, 1829–1833.
Moore, R. (2009). Pine tree lappet moth and Hylobius MSS [Management Support System]. In: Research update seminar (2009, Aviemore, UK) Web publication: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/FHD2009_NorthScotland_Moore_LappetMoth.pdf/$FILE/FHD2009_NorthScotland_Moore_LappetMoth.pdf. Accessed 29 September 2011.
Moore, R. (2011). Pine-tree lappet moth (PtLM). In: Background for biosecurity workshop (2011, UK). Web publication: http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1012/hc11/1150/1150.pdf. Accessed 29 September 2011.
Porwal, M. C., Talukdar, G., Singh, H., Tripathi, O. P., Tripathi, R. S., Roy, P. S., et al. (2001). Biodiversity characterization at landscape level using remote sensing and geo-spatial modeling in Meghalaya. In P. S. Roy, S. Singh, & A. G. Toxoleus (Eds.), Biodiversity and environment: Remote sensing and geographic information system perspectives (pp. 206–215). Dehradun, India: Indian Institute of Remote Sensing.
Rao, R. R., & Hajra, P. K. (1986). Floristic diversity of eastern Himalaya in a conservation perspective. Proceedings of Indian Academy of Sciences, Nov. Suppl., 103-125.
SPSS. (2004). SPSS for Windows, Release 13.0. Chicago, IL, USA: SPSS, Inc.
Thakur, N. S. A., & Pathak, K. A. (1983). An outbreak of leaf eating caterpillar, Chatra grisea Moore on pine trees in Meghalaya. Indian Forester, 109, 847–848.
Xiang-Zao, L. (2006). Study on biological characteristics and its integrated control of Dendrolimus latipennis. Journal of Southwest Forestry College, 3-13. http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-YNLX200603013.htm
Zolotuhin, V. V., & Pinratana, A. (2005). The moths of Thailand, Vol. 4, Lasiocampidae. Bangkok, Thailand: Brothers of Saint Gabriel.
Acknowledgments
The authors are very thankful to the Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, for providing the necessary laboratory facilities for carrying out all the experiments. Technical help provided by Miss Karishma Shyam, Senior Research Fellow, National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture, is duly acknowledged. Authors also would like to thank two anonymous reviewers for their critical review in improving the manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Firake, D.M., Behere, G.T., Firake, P.D. et al. An outbreak of pine lappet moth, Kunugia latipennis, in mid-altitude hills of Meghalaya state, India. Phytoparasitica 40, 231–234 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-012-0228-2
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-012-0228-2