Abstract

Bagworms, known previously as minor pests of various crops, have gained greater pest status in recent years, in Kerala. Nine species, including four undetermined ones representing 5 genera are recorded for the first time from Kerala. Due to several reasons bagworms are more adapted to tree crops than to agricultural crops. Based on various considerations four species, viz., Pteroma plagiophleps, Metisa plana, Manatha albipes and Bracychyttarus subteralbatus are judged to be potentially capable of assuming pest status in different crops in Kerala. The crops under greater threat include forest plantations of Albizia falcataria, avenue plantings of Delonix regia and Terminalia catappa and plantations of coconut and oilpalms