Field evaluation of anthocorid predator, Cardiastethus exiguus Poppius against Opisina arenosella Walker (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) in Kerala

Blackheaded caterpillar, Opisina arenosella Walker is a major pest of coconut in India. Cardiastethus exiguus Poppius is a potential predator of eggs and newly hatched larvae of O. arenosella. Field release and evaluation of C. exiguus was carried out during summer months of 2003–04 and 2004–05 in two pest-infested areas of Kerala, The release rates were 50 and 100 nymphs/adults per tree in the crown region. Totally three releases were made. There was significant reduction in the population of O, arenosella after release of the predator. The two release rates (50 and 100 nos./tree) were found equally effective in reducing the population of O. arenosella.