Department of Entomology, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, (India).
Taxonomic studies on Spodoptera litura and S. exigua were carried out and a separate account of taxonomic features of each species were described in detail by taking into consideration the important characters viz. eyes (hairy or non-hairy); antennal ciliation; labial palpi orientation; thorax (hairy or non-hairy); wing venation including male and female genitalia. Morphometric analysis of taxonomic characters of each species i.e. head (length & width); eyes (ocular width & interocular distance); antennal length; proboscisal length; length of I, II & IIIrd segment of labial palpi; thorax (length & width); wing expanse; abdominal length & total body length had been given. Illustrations of wing-venation as well as male and female genitalia has been provided. A key to the species has also been provided for their easy identification. A historical account of changes in nomenclature within genus Spodoptera is provided.
