Taxonomic redescription, life history traits, seasonal abundance and bio-control of Bruchidius albizziae (Arora) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), a pest of Albizia stipulata (DC.) Boivin

Bruchidius albizziae Arora (1977) has been found parasitizing upon the developing and developed seeds of Albizia stipulata (DC.) Boivin. Male genitalia was used as main source of generic and specific identifying characters. Eggs were laid by insect on green maturing pods of host plant when the seeds inside the pods become mature to provide the shelter and nutrition for the developing bruchid larvae. Adults emerge by making a circular hole on the wall of the seeds and pods. In the month of March and April abundance was maximum due to favorable environmental conditions and lowest in December and January due to extreme xeric conditions. Along with the emergence of adult bruchids, a larval parasitoid, Entedon albiziarum Rasplus (1990) also emerged. The larvae of B. albizziae were attacked by this parasitoid and played a significant role in biological control of the pest.