Pediobius imbrues (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a promising parasitoid of coconut slug caterpillar, Macroplectra nararia Moore (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) in Andhra Pradesh

The coconut slug caterpillar Macroplectra nararia Moore (Limacodidae: Lepidoptera) incidence on coconut and its inter crops was being observed in Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh regularly from 2009. Though many parasitoids were identified against this sporadic pest none are amenable for laboratory rearing. In March 2015 a new larval parasitoid Pediobius imbrues (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) with a natural incidence ranging from 2–10% was observed in slug caterpillar affected gardens and laboratory studies of this parasitoid revealed that it is hyper parasitoid on Bracon hebetor and its parasitization efficiency and longevity on slug caterpillar was recorded. In preliminary field efficacy study of P. imbrues against slug caterpillar M. nararia 41.41 per cent parasitisation was recorded. Therefore, the utility of P. imbrues can be explored is a potential parasitoid for slug caterpillar M. nararia in coconut plantations in view of difficultyand undesirable effects of chemical management.