Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

HYBLAEA PUERA CRAMER: RAVAGER OF AVICENNIA MARINA FROM RAIGAD COAST, MAHARASHTRA

Ajit B. Telave, Sourabh R. Chandankar and Ganesh P. Pawar

Abstract

Hyblaea puera Cramer is commonly known as Teak defoliator attack mostly the teak plant. This defoliator has migratory behavior feed on young tender leaves of teak. In the absence of young leaves it appears to found on other alternate host. During the field survey on the mangrove habitat of Maharashtra coast this defoliator was observed on Avicennia marina. The infection was very heavy and has damaged almost all individuals of A. marina. It was also recorded that the domestic crow generally feeds on this pest and exhibits the bio-control mechanism.