Taxonomic Studies on Graminaceous Stem Borers From North India

Thirteen species of stem borers attacking graminaceous crops, belonging to five genera viz. Chilo Zincken, 1817; Scirpophaga Treitschke, 1832; BissetiaKapur, 1950; Emmalocera Ragonot, 1888; Sesamia (Guenee, 1852) have been redescribed with current valid names, synonyms, authors, distribution, and host plants. The specimens were identified from characters of the genitalia such as shape of the uncus, gnathos, valva, projections of the costa or tegumen, and shape of aedeagus. The genitalia of Emmalocera aurifusellus (Walker, 1866) is described here for the first time. Photographic illustrations for each species which includes the male and female habitus, and the genitalia of both sexes and diagnostic keys are provided.