Report of Novius fumidus Mulsant (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera); A potential Predator of Egyptian Cottony Cushion Scale (Icerya aegyptiaca Douglas) Infesting Casuarina equisetifolia in Gujarat, India

Author: Patel N.M., Patel N.B. and Raghunandan B.L.

Download PDF

Abstract

During kharif season of the year 2022, survey was carried to document the activity of bio-agents under biodiversity research trial of All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Biological Control of Crop Pests (AICRP-BC), Anand Agricultural University, Anand (Gujarat). During the survey Novius fumidus Mulsant was observed as a potential coccinellid predator of Egyptian cottony cushion scale (Icerya aegyptiaca Douglas) infesting Casuarina equisetifolia. The collected specimens were morphologically described (length 4.08-4.56 mm and width 3.36-3.66 mm). Body of the predator was semi-spherical, robust, elongate oval, narrowed towards apex in posterior half, dorsal side covered with dense short hair. Larva was robust, ellipsoidal in outline and white in colour. Pupa was dark reddish brown. Therefore, the present study is the first ever report of N. fumidus as a predator of Egyptian cottony cushion scale (I. aegyptiaca) infesting C. equisetifolia in Gujarat, India.

Keywords

Novius fumidus, Coccinellids, Predator, Egyptian cottony cushion scale, Casuarina equisetifolia

Conclusion

The present study highlights the report of I. aegyptiaca infesting C. equisetifolia in fields of Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat (India). Further, it also emphasized the occurrence of coccinellid predator N. fumidus Mulsant on Egyptian cottony cushion scale (I. aegyptiaca) infesting C. equisetifolia.

References

-

How to cite this article

Patel N.M., Patel N.B. and Raghunandan B.L. (2022). Report of Novius fumidus Mulsant (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera); A potential Predator of Egyptian Cottony Cushion Scale (Icerya aegyptiaca Douglas) Infesting Casuarina equisetifolia in Gujarat, India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(4): 190-192.