Outbreak of banana skipper, Erionota torus Evans (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) in southern India: Evidence of expanded geographic range

This is the primaryreport onthe occurrenceof bananaskipper, Erionota torus Evans (Lepidoptera: Hespiriidae) from several parts in South India causing extensive damage to banana foliage making in to leaf rolls. Earlier reports mentioned that E. torus is restricted to North eastern region of India and its current outbreaks in southern states indicate the expanded geographic range of the skipper species. This pest can potentially threaten the banana crop through direct damage and indirectly the fresh banana leaf trade.