Taxonomic revision of the Genus Pieris Schrank (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) from India

The genus Pieris Schrank popularly called as garden whites are economically important species of family Pireridae, comprise 35 species world over and in India is represented by nine species. In the present manuscript, six species of genus Pieris Schrank i.e., i.e. P. brassicae (Linnaeus), P. canidia (Linnaeus),  P. deota (de Niceville),  P. extensa  Poujade, P. melete Menetries and P. rapae (Linnaeus) have been treated taxonomically from India. Besides studying morphological characters, their male and female genitalia have been described in details and illustrated for the first time. The diagnosis of the genus and key to species has been updated using genitalic attributes. In the study of genitalia, it has been observed that in the male genitalia of the genus Pieris the uncus is undivided and aedeagus is short and thick, whereas in the female genitalia the signum is bifid and appendix bursae are well developed. In the present work, the male genitalia of scheduled species P. deota has been studied and illustrated for the first time. The male and female genitalia of dry season forms and wet season forms of species P. melete, and the subspecies and polymorphic forms of species P. canidia have been studied and compared. It has been observed that in all forms there were no genitalic variations within the species

Lymphatic filariasis in migrant population in non-endemic states - Need to cover by Mass Drug Administration (MDA)

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is targeted by WHO for global elimination as a public health problem by year2020. GoI is signatory to WHO resolution and envisaged elimination by instituting annual mass drug administration (MDA) in all endemic districts under NVBDCP by year 2015.With rapid industrialization and urbanization, large number of landless farmer, unskilled/skilled labour migrate either singly or with entire family members to other states (which may be non-endemic for LF) in search of employment. These migrants from endemic states escape MDA beings migrated to non-endemic states. Aims and Objectives: To find out prevalence of LF and MF density among migrant staying in non-endemic states and assess needs to institute MDA in such migrants. Material & Methods: This study was a cross sectional epidemiological study carried out in migrant population staying at/near the construction site covering the population of 1640. However, only 1092 person participated in the study. Result: A total of 1092 people agreed to participate in the study, out of which, 22 were found MF positive and 4 presented with clinical signs of LF. The study found MF prevalence of 2.01% with average MF density of 3.90. Conclusion: Endemicity (2.01%) of MF among migratory population more than national average (0.45%), which is capable of continuing transmission (>1%) in population at risk living in non-endemic states where MDA is not administered.&nbsp

Chaetotaxy of first instar caterpillar of the Common Pierrot Castalius rosimon (Fabricius) (Papilionoidea: Lycaenidae: Polyommatinae)

Castalius rosimon (Fabricius) commonly  available in northwestern India has been reared on the leaves of its natural host plant, Zizipus oenoplia Mill. (Rhamnaceae) in Himachal Pradesh. Detailed examination of the chaetotaxy of first instar caterpillar has been attempted and the position of various setae and lenticles has been discussed. The crochets have been recorded to be uniserial and uniordeal. </div

Taxonomic Studies of Species Euchloe daphalis (Moore) (Pieridae: Anthocharini) from North-West of Himalaya

In India, tribe Anthocharini is represented by two genera i.e. Euchloe and Hebomoia. The genus Euchloe Hubner is represented by single species Euchloe daphalis (Moore) in India. This species is distributed in high altitude areas of North-West Himalaya and is very rare. During present studies, the taxonomy of the species is discussed, and the female genitalia is described and illustrated for the first time

OCCURRENCE OF HIMALAYAN MARMOT RICH ZONE NEAR KYAGHAR LAKE, LADAKH, JAMMU AND KASHMIR

The rich spot of Mormota himalayanci were observed ¡n cold desert of Ladakh. It like near Kyagharlake between Sumadha to Kyaghar. But due to various activities and to interest un tnfudibu this spot of Himlayanmormot is under threat and need to be conserved

The Isolation, Identification, and Insecticidal Activities of Indigenous Entomopathogenic Nematodes (<i>Steinernema carpocapsae</i>) and Their Symbiotic Bacteria (<i>Xenorhabdus nematophila</i>) against the Larvae of <i>Pieris brassicae</i>

The cabbage butterfly, Pieris brassicae Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), is an oligophagous and invasive insect pest of various economically important cole crops. Recently, there have been reports about an increase in the incidence and damaging activities of cabbage butterflies, signifying that the existing control methods fail to meet the grower’s expectations. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and their endosymbiotic bacteria have immense potential for the control of a wide range of insect pests. In this investigation, the EPN species Steinernema carpocapsae and its associated bacterial species, Xenorhabdus nematophila, were isolated and identified through morphological and molecular techniques. The laboratory bioassay experiment was performed using S. carpocapsae and X. nematophila against the 3rd instar larvae of P. brassicae (25 ± 1 °C; RH = 60%). The efficacy of EPN suspension (30, 60, 90, 120, 150 IJs/mL) and bacterial suspension (1 × 104, 2 × 104, 3 × 104, 4 × 104, and 5 × 104 CFU/mL) via contact and oral routes showed significant mortality among the larvae. Surprisingly, 100% insect mortality within 48 h was recorded in the bacterial inoculum 5 × 104 CFU/mL. However, in the case of EPNs (S. carpocapsae), 150 IJs/mL caused the highest, 92%, larval mortality rate after 96 h. The results signify that both indigenous EPNs and their associated bacteria can provide efficient control against P. brassicae larvae and could effectively contribute to IPM programs. However, further analyses are required to authenticate their effectiveness in field conditions