Armyworms and cutworms are agricultural pests that can occasionally damage agricultural crops significantly. Armyworm, Leucania Ochsenheimer is one of the most significant pests on graminaceous crops, which is widespread in Africa, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East. A thorough comparative study on the taxonomy of species within the genus Leucania Ochsenheimer has identified two recognized species: L. loreyi and L. roseilinea. Detailed discussions include morphological characteristics such as frons, vertex, antennae, labial palpi, compound eyes, ocelli, proboscis, wing venation, and male and female genital features, along with identification keys supported by photographs and illustrations. Armyworm species are known to be polyphagous and are commonly found in the Indian subcontinent. The taxonomic research presented here lays the foundation for future monitoring of species identities and potential outbreaks affecting cereal crops.

Armyworm, Leucania loreyi, Taxonomy, Leucanini, Male genitalia

Accurate identification of pest species is essential for effective pest management programs, whether through biological control or pheromone-based methods. This study provides a valuable foundation for the precise identification of Leucania species, which cause significant crop losses in various regions of the country. Rapid and accurate identification is crucial for developing targeted control strategies. In this study, taxonomic identification was based on the morphological characteristics of adults. The findings revealed the distribution of two false armyworm species, Leucania loreyi and L. roseilinea, in Karnataka.

Basavaraj N. Hadimani, Prabhu C. Ganiger, Sadashiva Tippimath, Dhanyakumar Onkarappa, K. Chandrakumara and Chethan Kumar K.B. (2024). Faunistic Studies on the Genus, Leucania Ochsenheimer, 1816 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Leucaniini) from Karnataka, India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(6): 210-216.