Abstract

Pteroma plagiophleps Hampson is a major defoliator of several tree species in Kerala, India. The occurance of the various natural enemies of this insect as well as its impact on the pest population build up under the field conditions was studied. As much as 25-38 percent reduction in the pest population was recorded on some occasions mostly due to parasitism by Goryphus sp. and Acropimpla sp. nr. leucotoma (Cameron) (Ichneumonidae) as well as by Brachymeria sp. nr. plutellae Joseph, Narendran and Joy (Chalcididae) . Although 15 other species of parasitoids were collected from the field, they were present only in small numbers. Instances of mortality of early and late instar larvae and pupae due to unidentified pathogenic organisms were also noticed