First report of Eupterote sp. nr. gardneri Byrk, 1950 (Lepidoptera: Eupterotidae) as a defoliator pest of banana in Kerala, India with notes on its biology

In this study, Eupterote sp. nr. gardneri Byrk, 1950 (=Eupterote geminata (Walker) ssp. gardneri Byrk, 1950) is recorded for the first time as a pest of banana in India. The outbreaks and crop damage caused by the hairy caterpillars of this species are documented with illustrated images. The banana cultivars Palayamkodan, Nendran, and Ney Poovan in the field, as well as cv. Popoulu in insect net house studies, were identified as preferred host varieties. Detailed morphological characteristics of the final instar caterpillar and adults, along with photographic illustrations, are provided. The biology of the pest and additional host plant records from Kerala are also discussed. Key words: First report of Eupterote sp, Eupterotidae, pest, defoliator, banana, economic loss, biology, host plants, India.