Taxonomic Studies on the Genus, Mythimna Ochsenheimer, 1816 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae: Leucaniini) in Karnataka, India

Author: Basavaraj N. Hadimani, Prabhu C. Ganiger, Ajayakumar, Sadashiva Tippimath, K. Chandrakumara and Dhanyakumar Onkarappa

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Abstract

Armyworm Mythimna Guenée is one of the most important pests on graminaceous crops and pastures in South and South East Asia (i.e., M. separata Walker is well known to cause serious damages on rice in India). A comprehensive and comparative studies were carried out on taxonomic account of species of the genus Mythimna Guenée is provided with two species are recognized in the genus viz., M. separata, and M. reversa. Morphological characters viz., frons, vertex, antennae, labial palpi, compound eyes, ocelli, proboscis, wing venation, Male and female genitalic attribute, identification keys with photographs and illustrations are provided and discussed in detail.

Keywords

Armyworm, Faunistics, Taxonomy, Mythimna, Noctuidae

Conclusion

Accurate taxonomic identification of Mythimna species is crucial due to their economic importance as pests, but is complicated by their cryptic nature and morphological similarities. The present study revealed the distribution of two species of Armyworms i.e., M. seperata and M. reversa in Karnataka. A well-defined taxonomy is necessary for rapid and precise identification, which is critical for effective pest management these pests based on biological control or other methods such as the use of pheromones.

References

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How to cite this article

Basavaraj N. Hadimani, Prabhu C. Ganiger, Ajayakumar, Sadashiva Tippimath, K. Chandrakumara and Dhanyakumar Onkarappa (2024). Taxonomic Studies on the Genus, Mythimna Ochsenheimer, 1816 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae: Leucaniini) in Karnataka, India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(5): 170-176.