Rajendra Singh | Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA (original) (raw)

Papers by Rajendra Singh

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of aphidophagous predators in Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh

Arthropods, 2024

An updated checklist of faunal biodiversity of the spiders, in two norther states of India, Uttar... more An updated checklist of faunal biodiversity of the spiders, in two norther states of India, Uttar Pradesh and
Uttarakhand is presented herewith. A total of 520 species of spiders described under 236 genera belonging to
50 families were recorded in both the states of north India. The biodiversity of spiders is more in Uttar Pradesh
(284 species, 146 genera, 36 families) than Uttarakhand (373 species, 202 genera, 45 families). However, most
of the areas in both the states are still virgin regarding the faunal survey programmes and need intensive and
extensive survey in those areas by enthusiastic workers.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of aphid parasitoids in Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh, India

International Journal of Entomology Research, 2024

The present paper deals with the diversity and host relationship between aphid parasitoids, aphid... more The present paper deals with the diversity and host relationship between aphid parasitoids, aphids and their host plants in Ayodhya district of eastern Uttar Pradesh (India). The result demonstrated the presence of a total of 10 species of parasitoids belonging to 7 genera under 2 families parasitising 13 species of aphids belonging to 9 genera infesting 31 plant species belonging to 9 families in 102 villages/town areas of Ayodhya district. Most of the host plants are highly economically important agricultural crops. About 28% tritrophic associations (parasitoids - hosts - host plants) are new record from India out of total 60 such associations observed. Aphelinidae is represented by a single species, Aphelinus gossypii Timberlake, 1924 while Aphidiinae (Braconidae) comprises 9 species, among which Binodoxys indicus (Subba Rao & Sharma) and Lipolexis oregmae (Gahan) are polyphagous and diversified parasitising 4 and 3 species of aphids infesting 11 and 10 plant species in 27 and 24 villages of Ayodhya, respectively. Other species of parasitoids parasitise 1-3 aphid species on 1-5 host plant species.

Research paper thumbnail of Aphids and their host plants in Ayodhya

Munis Entomology & Zoology, 2024

The paper deals with the association of aphids with their food plants in the district Ayodhya, Ut... more The paper deals with the association of aphids with their food plants in the district Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Results demonstrate that a total of 52 species of aphids belonging to 26 genera under 5 subfamilies are recorded in 220 villages distributed in all five sub-districts (tehsil) of the district Ayodhya. Most of the species belong to the subfamily Aphidinae (44 species) followed by Greenideinae (4 species), and Calaphidinae and Eriosomatinae (each 1 species). A total of 159 species of plants belonging to 43 families are associated with these aphids. The plants belonging to the family Poaceae suffer heavily with aphid attacks followed by the plants belonging to the families Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Malvaceae. A total of 22 species are monophagous, 24 species are oligophagous and 6 species are polyphagous. A highly polyphagous aphid species is Aphis (Aphis) gossypii Glover infesting 75 plant species belonging to 31 families followed by Myzus (Nectarosiphon) persicae (Sulzer) (34 plant species belonging to 14 families), Aphis (Aphis) craccivora Koch (34 plant species belonging to 10 families), Aphis (Aphis) spiraecola Patch (23 plant species belonging to 12 families), Aphis (Aphis) nasturtii Kaltenbach (11 plant species belonging to 6 families), and Aphis (Aphis) solanella Theobald (10 plant species belonging to 6 families). Mustard, pea, pulses, vegetables, maize, sorghum etc. are infested with several aphid species and need their control measure.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of predators and parasitoids of greenideine aphids and their host plant associations in India

Journal of Fauna Biodiversity, 2024

The present article lists the predators and parasitoids of the Greenideinae aphids (Insecta: Hemi... more The present article lists the predators and parasitoids of the Greenideinae aphids (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae: Greenideinae) infesting different food plants and their distribution in various states and union territories of India. Predators belong to one order of class Arachnida, the order Araneae (spiders) (2 families) and five orders of class Insecta: Coleoptera (family Coccinellidae), Dermaptera (family Forficulidae), Diptera (family Syrphidae), Hemiptera (family Anthocoridae) and Neuroptera (families Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae). A total of 43 species of predators from various taxa were recorded to feed 15 species of the greenideine aphids on 12 food plant species in 14 states of India. The highest number of predators belonged to the families Coccinellidae (28 species) and Syrphidae (5 species). Most of the tritrophic associations (triplets, predators-preys-host plants) of these predators were reported in Manipur (41 triplets), Uttarakhand (22 triplets), West Bengal (10 triplets) and in other states with fewer than 10 triplets. All the parasitoids of greedineine aphids belong to a single subfamily Aphelininae (Aphelinidae: Hymenoptera) and Aphidiinae (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) in India. A total of 23 species of parasitoids were observed parasitising these aphids infesting on 19 host plants in 12 states of India. Most of the tritrophic associations (triplets, parasitoids-hosts-host plants) of these parasitoids were reported from Meghalaya (15 triplets), followed by West Bengal (9 triplets), Manipur (8 triplets), and in other states with fewer than 8 triplets. Indeed, minimal attempts have been made to record the natural enemies of these aphids in India, and an intensive and extensive survey plan is warranted to record them in unexplored areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Tetratrophic associations of hyperparasitoids of aphids and their distribution in India

Journal of Applied Biosciences, Lucknow, 2024

Aphid hyperparasitoids are secondary parasitoids constituting fourth trophic level which develop ... more Aphid hyperparasitoids are secondary parasitoids constituting fourth trophic level which develop on primary parasitoids of aphids. Based on oviposition and feeding behaviour, they may be endophagous (develop in the larvae of primary parasitoids) or ectophagous (feed externally on the larvae of primary parasitoids when aphids are killed or mummified). Hyperparasitism has traditionally been considered harmful to the parasitoids and hence is excluded in biological control programmes. Their detailed biology and ecology are less known than their primary parasitoids. The present article provides a tetratrophic association of aphid hyperparasitoids of India. A total of 27 species of aphid hyperparasitoids belonging to 3 superfamilies of Hymenoptera are recorded in 11 states/union territories of India. These hyperparasitoids parasitise 36 species of primary parasitoids parasitising 51 species of aphids infesting 81 species of food plants. The Calcidoidea is the largest superfamily and comprises 15 species of aphid hyperparasitoids belonging to 5 families followed by Cynipoidea (9 species of aphid hyperparasitoids belonging to a single family) and Ceraphronoidea (3 species of aphid hyperparasitoids in two families). Among them, Alloxysta spp. are highly polyphagous and hyperparasitise 16 species of parasitoids that parasitise 26 species of aphids on 45 food plants in 9 states/union territories of India followed by Syrphophagus (14 species of parasitoids that parasitise 14 species of aphids on 17 food plants in 9 states/union territories), Pachyneuron (12 species of parasitoids that parasitise 16 species of aphids on 17 food plants in 4 states/union territories), Asaphes (8 species of parasitoids that parasitise 16 species of aphids on 17 food plants in 4 states/ union territories). Binodoxys indicus (Subba Rao & Sharma), parasitising 7 species of aphids infesting 28 species of host plants was observed to serve as host for 14 species of hyperparasitoids while Lipolexisoregmae parasitises 9 species of aphids infesting 17 species of host plants serving as host for 6 species of hyperparasitoids. Indeed, no investigation was conducted in most of the states and union territories of India regarding the tetratrophic associations of aphid hyperparasitoids and hence, it requires an extensive survey in these areas to record them particularly in the agroecosystems to establish their relationship with aphid hosts and their parasitoids on different crops.

Research paper thumbnail of Parasitoids of Myzus spp. in India

Arthropods, 2025

In this study, the parasitoids of 12 species of Myzus Passerini, 1860 (Aphididae: Hemiptera) are ... more In this study, the parasitoids of 12 species of Myzus Passerini, 1860 (Aphididae: Hemiptera) are enlisted along with their host aphids and host plants distributed in different states and union territories of India. The study demonstrated that 48 species of parasitoids (6 species belonging to Aphelinidae; one species belonging to Encyrtidae and 41 species of Aphidiinae (Braconidae) parasitising 12 species of aphids belonging to the genus Myzus Passerini, 1860 infesting 82 plant species in 21 states/union territories of India. Most of the host plants are highly economically important agricultural crops. A total of 261 tritrophic associations were recorded. Aphelinidae is represented by a single genus, Aphelinus with 6 species while Aphidiinae (Braconidae) comprises 40 species belonging to 10 genera, among which Aphidius matricariae Haliday, 1834 is a polyphagous and diversified parasitising 6 species of aphids infesting 29 plant species in 11 states/union territories of India.

Research paper thumbnail of Predators and parasitoids of Eriosomatinae

Munis Entomology & Zoology, 2025

The present article enlists the predators and parasitoids of the woolly aphids (Eriosomatinae: Ap... more The present article enlists the predators and parasitoids of the woolly aphids (Eriosomatinae: Aphididae: Hemiptera) infesting different food plants and their distribution in various states and union territories of India. These predators belong to five orders of the class Insecta: Coleoptera (family Coccinellidae), Dermaptera (Family Forficulidae), Diptera (families Chamaemyiidae, Syrphidae), Hemiptera (families Anthocoridae, Miridae) and Neuroptera (families Chrysopidae, Conioptrygidae, Dilaridae, Hemerobiidae). A total of 76 species of predators from various taxa were recorded to feed 16 species of the woolly aphids on 17 food plant species distributed mostly in northwestern and east western Himalayan states/union territories of India. The highest number of predators belonged to the families Coccinellidae (30 species) and Syrphidae (15 species). Most of the tritrophic associations (triplets, predators-preys-host plants) of these predators were reported in Uttarakhand (88 triplets), Jammu & Kashmir (23 triplets), Himachal Pradesh (16 triplets) and other states/union territories 1-6 triplets. All the parasitoids of woolly aphids belong to two subfamilies Aphelininae (Aphelinidae: Hymenoptera) and Aphidiinae (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) in India. A total of 12 species of parasitoids were observed parasitising these woolly aphids infesting on 12 host plants in 6 states/union territory of India. Most of the tritrophic associations (triplets) of these parasitoids were reported from Jammu & Kashmir (21 triplets), followed by Uttarakhand (7 triplets), Himachal Pradesh (6 triplets), Meghalaya, Punjab and Sikkim (each single triplet). Indeed, minimal attempts have been made to record the natural enemies of the woolly aphids in India, and an intensive and extensive survey plan is warranted to record them in unexplored areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Predators and parasitoids of Rhopalosiphum spp and their distribution in India

Munis Entomology & Zoology, 2025

The article enlists the predators and parasitoids of 4 species of Rhopalosiphum Koch, 1854 (Aphid... more The article enlists the predators and parasitoids of 4 species of Rhopalosiphum Koch, 1854 (Aphididae: Hemiptera) along with their preys, host plants and their distribution in different states and union territories of India. These are the corn aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch, 1856), the waterlily aphid, Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae (Linnaeus, 1761), the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus, 1758), and the rice root aphid, Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale (Sasaki, 1899). Predators of Rhopalosiphum spp. mostly belong to one order of class Arachnida, the Araneae (spiders) (5 families) and four orders of the class Insecta: Coleoptera (families Carabidae, Coccinellidae, Staphylinidae), Diptera (families Cecidomyiidae, Chamaemyiidae, Syrphidae), Hemiptera (family Anthocoridae, Geocoridae), and Neuroptera (families Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae). Among the Araneae, 8 species of spiders were reported belonging to 5 families that prey on Rhopalosiphum spp. in only 2 states of India. The Coccinellidae (ladybird beetles) is the largest family having 43 species feeding on Rhopalosiphum spp. infesting 18 species of host plants distributed in 22 states/union territories of India. A maximum of 35 species of these ladybird beetles prey on Rhopalosiphum maidis on 9 food plants in 19 states/union territories of India. Among the Diptera, the hover flies (Syrphidae) are the most common predators having 13 species feeding on Rhopalosiphum spp. infesting 7 species of host plants distributed in 12 states/union territory of India. Five species of green lacewings (Chrysopidae) are recorded to prey on Rhopalosiphum spp. in India. Regarding the parasitoids, a total of 21 species (one species belonging to Aphelinidae, Aphelinus gossypii Timberlake, 1924 and 19 species of Aphidiinae (Braconidae) belonging to 14 genera were recorded to parasitise three species of Rhopalosiphum infesting 19 plant species in 23 states/union territories of India. A total 49 tritrophic associations were recorded. Among the Aphidiinae, Aphidius uzbekistanicus Luzhetzki, 1960 is more diversified parasitising all three species of Rhopalosiphum infesting 5 plant species in 4 states of India. Indeed, very limited attempts have been made to record these predators and parasitoids infesting these aphids in India and most of the regions are still unexplored and need an intensive survey plan to record them in those areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of parasitoids of Aphis spp in India

Munis Entomology & Zoology

The present paper deals with the host relationship between aphid parasitoids, aphids and their ho... more The present paper deals with the host relationship between aphid parasitoids, aphids and their host plants in different states/union territories of India. The checklist demonstrated the presence of a total of 61 species of parasitoids (10 species belonging to Aphelinidae; one species belonging to Encyrtidae and 49 species of Aphidiinae (Braconidae) parasitising 22 species of aphids belonging to the genus Aphis infesting 173 plant species in 25 states/union territories of India. Most of the host plants are highly economically important agricultural crops. A total of 616 tritrophic associations were recorded. Aphelinidae is represented by a single genus, Aphelinus while Aphidiinae (Braconidae) comprises 49 species belonging to 11 genera, among which Binodoxys indicus (Subba Rao & Sharma) and Lipolexis oregmae (Gahan) are polyphagous and diversified parasitising 14 and 11 species of aphids infesting 84 and 64 plant species in 18 and 16 states/union territories of India, respectively.

Research paper thumbnail of Checklist of predators and parasitoids of Sitobion spp and their distribution in India

Munis Entomology & Zoology

In this article, the arthropod predators and parasitoids of 8 species of Sitobion Mordvilko, 1914... more In this article, the arthropod predators and parasitoids of 8 species of Sitobion Mordvilko, 1914 (Aphididae: Hemiptera) are catalogued along with their prey/host aphids and their host plants distributed in different states and union territories of India. Most common species are Sitobion avenae (Fabricius, 1775), Sitobion miscanthi (Takahashi, 1921) and Sitobion rosaeiformis (Das, 1918) which are pestiferous on cereal grains (wheat, barley, mays, millets) and roses. Predatory arthropods of Sitobion spp. mostly belong to one order of class Arachnida, the Araneae (spiders) (7 families) and four orders of the class Insecta: Coleoptera (families Coccinellidae), Diptera (family Syrphidae), Hemiptera (family Nabidae), and Neuroptera (families Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae). Among the Araneae, 15 species of spiders were reported belonging to to prey on 3 species of Sitobion in only 4 states of India. The Coccinellidae (ladybird beetles) is the largest family having 33 species feeding on Sitobion spp. infesting 12 species of host plants distributed in 12 states/union territories of India. A total of 23 species of these ladybird beetles prey on Sitobion roseiformis in 8 states/union territories of India. Similarly, 11 species of the hover flies (Syrphidae) prey on Sitobion spp. infesting 3 species of host plants distributed in 12 states of India. Four species of lacewings (Neuroptera) are recorded to prey these aphids India. A total of 141 tritrophic associations were recorded. Regarding the parasitoids, a total of 20 species (one species belonging to Aphelinidae; and 19 species of Aphidiinae (Braconidae) were recorded to parasitise 8 species of Sitobion infesting 14 plant species in 11 states/union territories of India. A total 61 tritrophic associations were recorded. Aphelinidae is represented by a single species, Aphelinus gossypii Timberlake, 1924 while 19 species of Aphidiinae (Braconidae) belonging to 8 genera are recorded as parasitoids of Sitobion spp. among which Aphidius uzbekistanicus Luzhetzki, 1960 is more diversified parasitising 5 species of Sitobion aphids infesting 8 plant species in 6 states of India. Indeed, very limited attempts have been made to record these predators and parasitoids infesting these aphids in India and most of the regions are still unexplored and need an intensive survey plan to record them in that areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of predators and parasitoids of Acyrthosiphon pisum and their host plant associations in India

Munis Entomology & Zoology, 2025

The present article lists the predators and parasitoids of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon (Acyrthos... more The present article lists the predators and parasitoids of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon (Acyrthosiphon) pisum (Harris, 1776) infesting different food plants and distributed in various states and union territories of India. These predators belong to three orders of the class Insecta: Coleoptera (Coccinellidae), Diptera (Syrphidae), and Neuroptera (Chrysopidae). A total of 31 species of predators from various taxa were recorded to feed the pea aphid on 8 food plant species across 16 states/union territories of India. The highest number of predators belonged to the families Coccinellidae (22 species) and Syrphidae (8 species). Most of the tritrophic associations (triplets, predators-preys-host plants) of these predators were reported in Manipur (16 triplets), Uttar Pradesh (14 triplets), West Bengal (10 triplets) and other states/union territories with fewer than 10 triplets. All the parasitoids of Acyrthosiphon pisum belong to the single subfamily Aphidiinae (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) in India. A total of 9 species of parasitoids were observed parasitising Acyrthosiphon pisum infesting on 9 host plants in 14 states/union territory of India. Most of the tritrophic associations (triplets, parasitoids-hosts-host plants) of these parasitoids were reported from Uttar Pradesh (5 triplets), followed by Meghalaya (4 triplets), Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, West Bengal (each 3 triplets), Karnataka, Nagaland, Rajasthan (2 triplets) and Assam, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (single triplet).

Research paper thumbnail of TRITROPHIC ASSOCIATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF APHIDOPHAGOUS COCCINELLID CHEILOMENES SPP. (COCCINELLIDAE: COLEOPTERA: INSECTA) IN INDIA 1 1 2

International Journal on Biological Sciences, 2024

The paper deals with the prey records of Cheilomenes spp. in different states of India. In India,... more The paper deals with the prey records of Cheilomenes spp. in different states of India. In India, only two species of the genus Cheilomenes Chevrolat, 1837-Cheilomenes propinqua (Mulsant, 1850) and Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius, 1781) are known to prey aphids. Cheilomenes propinqua is recorded in India on only one aphid species Aphis (Aphis) gossypii Glover, 1877 infesting brinjal in Assam and Meghalaya. The Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius, 1781), also known as six-spotted zigzag ladybird, preys on 76 species of aphids infesting 160 species of plants belonging to several families distributed throughout India except Jharkhand and Mizoram states. In union territories, it is recorded preying on aphids only in Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi. The most preferred prey is Aphis (Aphis) gossypii Glover which was found infesting 53 plant species distributed in 21 states/union territories followed by Aphis (Aphis) craccivora Koch infesting 35 plant species distributed in 24 states/union territories and Myzus (Nectarosiphon) persicae (Sulzer) infesting on 20 plant species distributed in 16 states/union territories. Total number of tritrophic relationship of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) (predator-prey-host plant) reported in India was 282; maximally being in Gujarat (72) followed by Uttar Pradesh (56), West Bengal (46), Bihar (43), Karnataka (41), Manipur (38), Maharashtra (25), and less than it in other states.

Research paper thumbnail of SYSTEMATICS, BIOLOGY, ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE, NATURAL ENEMIES AND FOOD PLANTS OF APHIS (APHIS) SPIRAECOLA PATCH, 1914 (APHIDIDAE: HEMIPTERA) IN INDIA

Munis Entomology & Zoology, 2024

Aphis (Aphis) spiraecola Patch, 1914, commonly known as green citrus aphid, spirea aphid, and app... more Aphis (Aphis) spiraecola Patch, 1914, commonly known as green citrus aphid, spirea aphid, and apple aphid is a polyphagous feeding on 249 species of host plants belonging to 64 families. However, in few associations the aphids may be vagrent on them without feeding. It reproduces anholocyclclic but records of oviparous females suggest possible holocyclic reproduction in India. It is a key pest on several economically important crops, e.g. citrus, apples and ornamentals in India. In fields, its population is naturally managed by 11 species of parasitic wasps and 43 species of predators of which ladybird beetles (31 species) are dominating followed by hover fly larvae (9 species). A total of 7 species of ants are reported to attend the colonies of Aphis (Aphis) spiraecola on different plants.

Research paper thumbnail of Checklist of arthropod predators of the cotton aphid, Aphis (Aphis) gossypii Glover, 1877 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae), and their distribution in India

Journal of Fauna Biodiversity, 2024

In this article, arthropod predators of Aphis (Aphis) gossypii Glover, 1877 (cotton aphid, melon ... more In this article, arthropod predators of Aphis (Aphis) gossypii Glover, 1877 (cotton aphid, melon aphid, brinjal aphid etc.) are catalogued along with the host plants of the prey distributed in different states and union territories of India. Predatory arthropods of cotton aphid mostly belong to four orders of class Insecta: Coleoptera (Anthribidae, Coccinellidae, Nitidulidae, Staphylinidae), Diptera (Calliphoridae, Chamaemyiidae, Cecidomyiidae, Syrphidae), Hemiptera (Anthocoridae, Geocoridae, Miridae, Pentatomidae) and Neuroptera (Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae); and one order of class Arachnida, the order Araneae (spiders) (10 families). Among the Coleoptera, the Coccinellidae (ladybird beetles) is the largest family having 92 species feeding on this aphid infesting 107 species of host plants distributed in 27 states and union territories of India. A maximum of 52 species of these ladybird beetles' prey

Research paper thumbnail of Checklist of Aphidophagous Predatory Bugs (Heteroptera: Hemiptera: Insecta) in India

International Journal of Biological and Environmental Investigations, 2024

In this study, aphidophagous predatory bugs (Heteroptera: Hemiptera: Insecta) are catalogued alon... more In this study, aphidophagous predatory bugs (Heteroptera: Hemiptera: Insecta) are catalogued along with their prey (aphid) species (Aphididae: Homoptera: Hemiptera) and host plants of the prey recorded in different states and union territories of India. Data reveal that a total of 29 species of Heteroptera are aphidophagous in India belonging to 6 families, Anthocoridae being the largest one comprising 17 species under 10 genera followed by Miridae and Reduviidae (4 species in each), and Geocoridae (2 species in 1 genus), Nabidae and Pentatomidae (one species each) preying on 45 species of aphids belonging to 21 genera associated with 37 species of plants belonging to 26 genera in 13 states/union territories of India; with 88 triplets (tritrophic association of predators, preys and host plants). A maximum of 39 triplets are recorded in Uttarakhand followed by 12 triplets in Ladakh and 9 and 6 triplets in Jammu and Kashmir and West Bengal. A maximum of 13 species of these predators were recorded from Uttarakhand preying on 21 species of aphids feeding on 20 plant species. No species of these predatory bugs is recorded from 17 states and 6 union territories of India. Indeed, no investigation was conducted in most of the states and union territories of India regarding the aphidophagy of predatory bugs and hence, it requires an extensive survey in these areas to record them particularly in the agroecosystems to establish their relationship with aphid preys on different crops.

Research paper thumbnail of CHECKLIST OF APHIDOPHAGOUS NEUROPTERA (INSECTA: ARTHROPODA) IN INDIA 1 1 2

International Journal of Biological Innovations, 2024

The article deals with the record of aphidophagous lacewings (Neuroptera) in India. Data reveals ... more The article deals with the record of aphidophagous lacewings (Neuroptera) in India. Data reveals 32 species of lacewings are aphidophagous in India belonging to 4 families, Chrysopidae being the largest one comprising 24 species under 11 genera followed by Hemerobiidae (6 species in 2 genera) and Dilaridae and Coniopterygidae (one species each) preying on 68 species of aphids belonging to 37 genera associated with 107 species of plants distributed in 23 states/union territories of India. A maximum of 24 species were recorded from Uttarakhand followed by 9 species each from Karnataka and West Bengal, 6 species from Himachal Pradesh, 5 species from Maharashtra, and less than 5 species were recorded from other states/union territories. Out of 32 species of aphidophagous lacewings recorded from India, only Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen, 1935) is considerably widely distributed in 21 states/union territories preying on 42 species of aphids infesting 76 species of plants, mostly crops followed by Micromus timidus Hagen, 1853 which preys on 17 species of aphids infesting 23 food plants distributed in 11 states/union territories of India. Hence, extensive surveys for these lacewings are required throughout the country particularly in agroecosystem to establish their relationship with aphid preys on different crops.

Research paper thumbnail of BIOSYSTEMATICS, ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE, NATURAL ENEMIES AND FOOD PLANTS OF LIPAPHIS (LIPAPHIS) ERYSIMI (KALTENBACH, 1843) (HEMIPTERA: APHIDIDAE) IN INDIA

Munis Entomology & Zoology, 2024

Lipaphis (Lipaphis) erysimi (Kaltenbach, 1843), commonly known as mustard aphid and turnip aphid ... more Lipaphis (Lipaphis) erysimi (Kaltenbach, 1843), commonly known as mustard aphid and turnip aphid is a polyphagous feeding mostly on 52 species of host plants belonging to 42 genera and 19 families. However, in few associations the aphids may be vagrent on them, partcularly on non brassica plants without feeding as host plant. It reproduces anholocyclclic but records of oviparous females suggest possible holocyclic reproduction in India. It is key pest on several economically important crops, e.g. rapeseed mustard, turnip, radish, cabbage, cauliflower etc. in India. In fields, its population is naturally managed by 11 species of parasitic wasps and 66 species of predators of which ladybird beetles are dominating followed by hover fly larvae. A total of 7 species of ants are reported to attend the colonies of Lipaphis (Lipaphis) erysimi on different plants.

Research paper thumbnail of Biosystematics economic importance natural enemies and food plants of Aphis aurantii in India

Munis Entomology & Zoology, 2023

Aphis (Toxoptera) aurantii Boyer de Fonscolombe (1841), commonly known as camellia aphid, black c... more Aphis (Toxoptera) aurantii Boyer de Fonscolombe (1841), commonly known as camellia aphid, black citrus aphid and tea aphid, is a highly polyphagous feeding on almost 176 species/subspecies of plants in India belonging to 134 genera grouped into 57 families. Its life cycle is anholocyclic. Most infectious family is Asteraceae (17 species) followed by Rutaceae (20 species), Fabaceae and Rosaceae (9 species each), Rubiaceae (8 species), Malvaceae, Moraceae and Theaceae (7 species each) and 1 to 6 species of other 49 families of the plants. It is pestiferous on several economically important plants such as citrus, coffee, tea, mango etc. In fields, its population is naturally managed by 6 species of parasitic wasps and 53 species of predators of which ladybird beetles are dominating. A total of 21 species of ants are reported to attend the colonies of Aphis (Toxoptera) aurantii on different plants.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of aphidophagous predators in Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh, India

Arthropods, 2024

An updated checklist of faunal biodiversity of the spiders, in two norther states of India, Uttar... more An updated checklist of faunal biodiversity of the spiders, in two norther states of India, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand is presented herewith. A total of 520 species of spiders described under 236 genera belonging to 50 families were recorded in both the states of north India. The biodiversity of spiders is more in Uttar Pradesh (284 species, 146 genera, 36 families) than Uttarakhand (373 species, 202 genera, 45 families). However, most of the areas in both the states are still virgin regarding the faunal survey programmes and need intensive and extensive survey in those areas by enthusiastic workers.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of aphid parasitoids (Aphidiinae: Braconidae: Hymenoptera) in Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh, India

International Journal of Entomology Research, 2024

The present paper deals with the diversity and host relationship between aphid parasitoids, aphid... more The present paper deals with the diversity and host relationship between aphid parasitoids, aphids and their host plants in Ayodhya district of eastern Uttar Pradesh (India). The result demonstrated the presence of a total of 10 species of parasitoids belonging to 7 genera under 2 families parasitising 13 species of aphids belonging to 9 genera infesting 31 plant species belonging to 9 families in 102 villages/town areas of Ayodhya district. Most of the host plants are highly economically important agricultural crops. About 28% tritrophic associations (parasitoids-hosts-host plants) are new record from India out of total 60 such associations observed. Aphelinidae is represented by a single species, Aphelinus gossypii Timberlake, 1924 while Aphidiinae (Braconidae) comprises 9 species, among which Binodoxys indicus (Subba Rao & Sharma) and Lipolexis oregmae (Gahan) are polyphagous and diversified parasitising 4 and 3 species of aphids infesting 11 and 10 plant species in 27 and 24 villages of Ayodhya, respectively. Other species of parasitoids parasitise 1-3 aphid species on 1-5 host plant species.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of aphidophagous predators in Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh

Arthropods, 2024

An updated checklist of faunal biodiversity of the spiders, in two norther states of India, Uttar... more An updated checklist of faunal biodiversity of the spiders, in two norther states of India, Uttar Pradesh and
Uttarakhand is presented herewith. A total of 520 species of spiders described under 236 genera belonging to
50 families were recorded in both the states of north India. The biodiversity of spiders is more in Uttar Pradesh
(284 species, 146 genera, 36 families) than Uttarakhand (373 species, 202 genera, 45 families). However, most
of the areas in both the states are still virgin regarding the faunal survey programmes and need intensive and
extensive survey in those areas by enthusiastic workers.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of aphid parasitoids in Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh, India

International Journal of Entomology Research, 2024

The present paper deals with the diversity and host relationship between aphid parasitoids, aphid... more The present paper deals with the diversity and host relationship between aphid parasitoids, aphids and their host plants in Ayodhya district of eastern Uttar Pradesh (India). The result demonstrated the presence of a total of 10 species of parasitoids belonging to 7 genera under 2 families parasitising 13 species of aphids belonging to 9 genera infesting 31 plant species belonging to 9 families in 102 villages/town areas of Ayodhya district. Most of the host plants are highly economically important agricultural crops. About 28% tritrophic associations (parasitoids - hosts - host plants) are new record from India out of total 60 such associations observed. Aphelinidae is represented by a single species, Aphelinus gossypii Timberlake, 1924 while Aphidiinae (Braconidae) comprises 9 species, among which Binodoxys indicus (Subba Rao & Sharma) and Lipolexis oregmae (Gahan) are polyphagous and diversified parasitising 4 and 3 species of aphids infesting 11 and 10 plant species in 27 and 24 villages of Ayodhya, respectively. Other species of parasitoids parasitise 1-3 aphid species on 1-5 host plant species.

Research paper thumbnail of Aphids and their host plants in Ayodhya

Munis Entomology & Zoology, 2024

The paper deals with the association of aphids with their food plants in the district Ayodhya, Ut... more The paper deals with the association of aphids with their food plants in the district Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Results demonstrate that a total of 52 species of aphids belonging to 26 genera under 5 subfamilies are recorded in 220 villages distributed in all five sub-districts (tehsil) of the district Ayodhya. Most of the species belong to the subfamily Aphidinae (44 species) followed by Greenideinae (4 species), and Calaphidinae and Eriosomatinae (each 1 species). A total of 159 species of plants belonging to 43 families are associated with these aphids. The plants belonging to the family Poaceae suffer heavily with aphid attacks followed by the plants belonging to the families Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Malvaceae. A total of 22 species are monophagous, 24 species are oligophagous and 6 species are polyphagous. A highly polyphagous aphid species is Aphis (Aphis) gossypii Glover infesting 75 plant species belonging to 31 families followed by Myzus (Nectarosiphon) persicae (Sulzer) (34 plant species belonging to 14 families), Aphis (Aphis) craccivora Koch (34 plant species belonging to 10 families), Aphis (Aphis) spiraecola Patch (23 plant species belonging to 12 families), Aphis (Aphis) nasturtii Kaltenbach (11 plant species belonging to 6 families), and Aphis (Aphis) solanella Theobald (10 plant species belonging to 6 families). Mustard, pea, pulses, vegetables, maize, sorghum etc. are infested with several aphid species and need their control measure.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of predators and parasitoids of greenideine aphids and their host plant associations in India

Journal of Fauna Biodiversity, 2024

The present article lists the predators and parasitoids of the Greenideinae aphids (Insecta: Hemi... more The present article lists the predators and parasitoids of the Greenideinae aphids (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae: Greenideinae) infesting different food plants and their distribution in various states and union territories of India. Predators belong to one order of class Arachnida, the order Araneae (spiders) (2 families) and five orders of class Insecta: Coleoptera (family Coccinellidae), Dermaptera (family Forficulidae), Diptera (family Syrphidae), Hemiptera (family Anthocoridae) and Neuroptera (families Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae). A total of 43 species of predators from various taxa were recorded to feed 15 species of the greenideine aphids on 12 food plant species in 14 states of India. The highest number of predators belonged to the families Coccinellidae (28 species) and Syrphidae (5 species). Most of the tritrophic associations (triplets, predators-preys-host plants) of these predators were reported in Manipur (41 triplets), Uttarakhand (22 triplets), West Bengal (10 triplets) and in other states with fewer than 10 triplets. All the parasitoids of greedineine aphids belong to a single subfamily Aphelininae (Aphelinidae: Hymenoptera) and Aphidiinae (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) in India. A total of 23 species of parasitoids were observed parasitising these aphids infesting on 19 host plants in 12 states of India. Most of the tritrophic associations (triplets, parasitoids-hosts-host plants) of these parasitoids were reported from Meghalaya (15 triplets), followed by West Bengal (9 triplets), Manipur (8 triplets), and in other states with fewer than 8 triplets. Indeed, minimal attempts have been made to record the natural enemies of these aphids in India, and an intensive and extensive survey plan is warranted to record them in unexplored areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Tetratrophic associations of hyperparasitoids of aphids and their distribution in India

Journal of Applied Biosciences, Lucknow, 2024

Aphid hyperparasitoids are secondary parasitoids constituting fourth trophic level which develop ... more Aphid hyperparasitoids are secondary parasitoids constituting fourth trophic level which develop on primary parasitoids of aphids. Based on oviposition and feeding behaviour, they may be endophagous (develop in the larvae of primary parasitoids) or ectophagous (feed externally on the larvae of primary parasitoids when aphids are killed or mummified). Hyperparasitism has traditionally been considered harmful to the parasitoids and hence is excluded in biological control programmes. Their detailed biology and ecology are less known than their primary parasitoids. The present article provides a tetratrophic association of aphid hyperparasitoids of India. A total of 27 species of aphid hyperparasitoids belonging to 3 superfamilies of Hymenoptera are recorded in 11 states/union territories of India. These hyperparasitoids parasitise 36 species of primary parasitoids parasitising 51 species of aphids infesting 81 species of food plants. The Calcidoidea is the largest superfamily and comprises 15 species of aphid hyperparasitoids belonging to 5 families followed by Cynipoidea (9 species of aphid hyperparasitoids belonging to a single family) and Ceraphronoidea (3 species of aphid hyperparasitoids in two families). Among them, Alloxysta spp. are highly polyphagous and hyperparasitise 16 species of parasitoids that parasitise 26 species of aphids on 45 food plants in 9 states/union territories of India followed by Syrphophagus (14 species of parasitoids that parasitise 14 species of aphids on 17 food plants in 9 states/union territories), Pachyneuron (12 species of parasitoids that parasitise 16 species of aphids on 17 food plants in 4 states/union territories), Asaphes (8 species of parasitoids that parasitise 16 species of aphids on 17 food plants in 4 states/ union territories). Binodoxys indicus (Subba Rao & Sharma), parasitising 7 species of aphids infesting 28 species of host plants was observed to serve as host for 14 species of hyperparasitoids while Lipolexisoregmae parasitises 9 species of aphids infesting 17 species of host plants serving as host for 6 species of hyperparasitoids. Indeed, no investigation was conducted in most of the states and union territories of India regarding the tetratrophic associations of aphid hyperparasitoids and hence, it requires an extensive survey in these areas to record them particularly in the agroecosystems to establish their relationship with aphid hosts and their parasitoids on different crops.

Research paper thumbnail of Parasitoids of Myzus spp. in India

Arthropods, 2025

In this study, the parasitoids of 12 species of Myzus Passerini, 1860 (Aphididae: Hemiptera) are ... more In this study, the parasitoids of 12 species of Myzus Passerini, 1860 (Aphididae: Hemiptera) are enlisted along with their host aphids and host plants distributed in different states and union territories of India. The study demonstrated that 48 species of parasitoids (6 species belonging to Aphelinidae; one species belonging to Encyrtidae and 41 species of Aphidiinae (Braconidae) parasitising 12 species of aphids belonging to the genus Myzus Passerini, 1860 infesting 82 plant species in 21 states/union territories of India. Most of the host plants are highly economically important agricultural crops. A total of 261 tritrophic associations were recorded. Aphelinidae is represented by a single genus, Aphelinus with 6 species while Aphidiinae (Braconidae) comprises 40 species belonging to 10 genera, among which Aphidius matricariae Haliday, 1834 is a polyphagous and diversified parasitising 6 species of aphids infesting 29 plant species in 11 states/union territories of India.

Research paper thumbnail of Predators and parasitoids of Eriosomatinae

Munis Entomology & Zoology, 2025

The present article enlists the predators and parasitoids of the woolly aphids (Eriosomatinae: Ap... more The present article enlists the predators and parasitoids of the woolly aphids (Eriosomatinae: Aphididae: Hemiptera) infesting different food plants and their distribution in various states and union territories of India. These predators belong to five orders of the class Insecta: Coleoptera (family Coccinellidae), Dermaptera (Family Forficulidae), Diptera (families Chamaemyiidae, Syrphidae), Hemiptera (families Anthocoridae, Miridae) and Neuroptera (families Chrysopidae, Conioptrygidae, Dilaridae, Hemerobiidae). A total of 76 species of predators from various taxa were recorded to feed 16 species of the woolly aphids on 17 food plant species distributed mostly in northwestern and east western Himalayan states/union territories of India. The highest number of predators belonged to the families Coccinellidae (30 species) and Syrphidae (15 species). Most of the tritrophic associations (triplets, predators-preys-host plants) of these predators were reported in Uttarakhand (88 triplets), Jammu & Kashmir (23 triplets), Himachal Pradesh (16 triplets) and other states/union territories 1-6 triplets. All the parasitoids of woolly aphids belong to two subfamilies Aphelininae (Aphelinidae: Hymenoptera) and Aphidiinae (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) in India. A total of 12 species of parasitoids were observed parasitising these woolly aphids infesting on 12 host plants in 6 states/union territory of India. Most of the tritrophic associations (triplets) of these parasitoids were reported from Jammu & Kashmir (21 triplets), followed by Uttarakhand (7 triplets), Himachal Pradesh (6 triplets), Meghalaya, Punjab and Sikkim (each single triplet). Indeed, minimal attempts have been made to record the natural enemies of the woolly aphids in India, and an intensive and extensive survey plan is warranted to record them in unexplored areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Predators and parasitoids of Rhopalosiphum spp and their distribution in India

Munis Entomology & Zoology, 2025

The article enlists the predators and parasitoids of 4 species of Rhopalosiphum Koch, 1854 (Aphid... more The article enlists the predators and parasitoids of 4 species of Rhopalosiphum Koch, 1854 (Aphididae: Hemiptera) along with their preys, host plants and their distribution in different states and union territories of India. These are the corn aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch, 1856), the waterlily aphid, Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae (Linnaeus, 1761), the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus, 1758), and the rice root aphid, Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale (Sasaki, 1899). Predators of Rhopalosiphum spp. mostly belong to one order of class Arachnida, the Araneae (spiders) (5 families) and four orders of the class Insecta: Coleoptera (families Carabidae, Coccinellidae, Staphylinidae), Diptera (families Cecidomyiidae, Chamaemyiidae, Syrphidae), Hemiptera (family Anthocoridae, Geocoridae), and Neuroptera (families Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae). Among the Araneae, 8 species of spiders were reported belonging to 5 families that prey on Rhopalosiphum spp. in only 2 states of India. The Coccinellidae (ladybird beetles) is the largest family having 43 species feeding on Rhopalosiphum spp. infesting 18 species of host plants distributed in 22 states/union territories of India. A maximum of 35 species of these ladybird beetles prey on Rhopalosiphum maidis on 9 food plants in 19 states/union territories of India. Among the Diptera, the hover flies (Syrphidae) are the most common predators having 13 species feeding on Rhopalosiphum spp. infesting 7 species of host plants distributed in 12 states/union territory of India. Five species of green lacewings (Chrysopidae) are recorded to prey on Rhopalosiphum spp. in India. Regarding the parasitoids, a total of 21 species (one species belonging to Aphelinidae, Aphelinus gossypii Timberlake, 1924 and 19 species of Aphidiinae (Braconidae) belonging to 14 genera were recorded to parasitise three species of Rhopalosiphum infesting 19 plant species in 23 states/union territories of India. A total 49 tritrophic associations were recorded. Among the Aphidiinae, Aphidius uzbekistanicus Luzhetzki, 1960 is more diversified parasitising all three species of Rhopalosiphum infesting 5 plant species in 4 states of India. Indeed, very limited attempts have been made to record these predators and parasitoids infesting these aphids in India and most of the regions are still unexplored and need an intensive survey plan to record them in those areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of parasitoids of Aphis spp in India

Munis Entomology & Zoology

The present paper deals with the host relationship between aphid parasitoids, aphids and their ho... more The present paper deals with the host relationship between aphid parasitoids, aphids and their host plants in different states/union territories of India. The checklist demonstrated the presence of a total of 61 species of parasitoids (10 species belonging to Aphelinidae; one species belonging to Encyrtidae and 49 species of Aphidiinae (Braconidae) parasitising 22 species of aphids belonging to the genus Aphis infesting 173 plant species in 25 states/union territories of India. Most of the host plants are highly economically important agricultural crops. A total of 616 tritrophic associations were recorded. Aphelinidae is represented by a single genus, Aphelinus while Aphidiinae (Braconidae) comprises 49 species belonging to 11 genera, among which Binodoxys indicus (Subba Rao & Sharma) and Lipolexis oregmae (Gahan) are polyphagous and diversified parasitising 14 and 11 species of aphids infesting 84 and 64 plant species in 18 and 16 states/union territories of India, respectively.

Research paper thumbnail of Checklist of predators and parasitoids of Sitobion spp and their distribution in India

Munis Entomology & Zoology

In this article, the arthropod predators and parasitoids of 8 species of Sitobion Mordvilko, 1914... more In this article, the arthropod predators and parasitoids of 8 species of Sitobion Mordvilko, 1914 (Aphididae: Hemiptera) are catalogued along with their prey/host aphids and their host plants distributed in different states and union territories of India. Most common species are Sitobion avenae (Fabricius, 1775), Sitobion miscanthi (Takahashi, 1921) and Sitobion rosaeiformis (Das, 1918) which are pestiferous on cereal grains (wheat, barley, mays, millets) and roses. Predatory arthropods of Sitobion spp. mostly belong to one order of class Arachnida, the Araneae (spiders) (7 families) and four orders of the class Insecta: Coleoptera (families Coccinellidae), Diptera (family Syrphidae), Hemiptera (family Nabidae), and Neuroptera (families Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae). Among the Araneae, 15 species of spiders were reported belonging to to prey on 3 species of Sitobion in only 4 states of India. The Coccinellidae (ladybird beetles) is the largest family having 33 species feeding on Sitobion spp. infesting 12 species of host plants distributed in 12 states/union territories of India. A total of 23 species of these ladybird beetles prey on Sitobion roseiformis in 8 states/union territories of India. Similarly, 11 species of the hover flies (Syrphidae) prey on Sitobion spp. infesting 3 species of host plants distributed in 12 states of India. Four species of lacewings (Neuroptera) are recorded to prey these aphids India. A total of 141 tritrophic associations were recorded. Regarding the parasitoids, a total of 20 species (one species belonging to Aphelinidae; and 19 species of Aphidiinae (Braconidae) were recorded to parasitise 8 species of Sitobion infesting 14 plant species in 11 states/union territories of India. A total 61 tritrophic associations were recorded. Aphelinidae is represented by a single species, Aphelinus gossypii Timberlake, 1924 while 19 species of Aphidiinae (Braconidae) belonging to 8 genera are recorded as parasitoids of Sitobion spp. among which Aphidius uzbekistanicus Luzhetzki, 1960 is more diversified parasitising 5 species of Sitobion aphids infesting 8 plant species in 6 states of India. Indeed, very limited attempts have been made to record these predators and parasitoids infesting these aphids in India and most of the regions are still unexplored and need an intensive survey plan to record them in that areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of predators and parasitoids of Acyrthosiphon pisum and their host plant associations in India

Munis Entomology & Zoology, 2025

The present article lists the predators and parasitoids of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon (Acyrthos... more The present article lists the predators and parasitoids of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon (Acyrthosiphon) pisum (Harris, 1776) infesting different food plants and distributed in various states and union territories of India. These predators belong to three orders of the class Insecta: Coleoptera (Coccinellidae), Diptera (Syrphidae), and Neuroptera (Chrysopidae). A total of 31 species of predators from various taxa were recorded to feed the pea aphid on 8 food plant species across 16 states/union territories of India. The highest number of predators belonged to the families Coccinellidae (22 species) and Syrphidae (8 species). Most of the tritrophic associations (triplets, predators-preys-host plants) of these predators were reported in Manipur (16 triplets), Uttar Pradesh (14 triplets), West Bengal (10 triplets) and other states/union territories with fewer than 10 triplets. All the parasitoids of Acyrthosiphon pisum belong to the single subfamily Aphidiinae (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) in India. A total of 9 species of parasitoids were observed parasitising Acyrthosiphon pisum infesting on 9 host plants in 14 states/union territory of India. Most of the tritrophic associations (triplets, parasitoids-hosts-host plants) of these parasitoids were reported from Uttar Pradesh (5 triplets), followed by Meghalaya (4 triplets), Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, West Bengal (each 3 triplets), Karnataka, Nagaland, Rajasthan (2 triplets) and Assam, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (single triplet).

Research paper thumbnail of TRITROPHIC ASSOCIATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF APHIDOPHAGOUS COCCINELLID CHEILOMENES SPP. (COCCINELLIDAE: COLEOPTERA: INSECTA) IN INDIA 1 1 2

International Journal on Biological Sciences, 2024

The paper deals with the prey records of Cheilomenes spp. in different states of India. In India,... more The paper deals with the prey records of Cheilomenes spp. in different states of India. In India, only two species of the genus Cheilomenes Chevrolat, 1837-Cheilomenes propinqua (Mulsant, 1850) and Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius, 1781) are known to prey aphids. Cheilomenes propinqua is recorded in India on only one aphid species Aphis (Aphis) gossypii Glover, 1877 infesting brinjal in Assam and Meghalaya. The Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius, 1781), also known as six-spotted zigzag ladybird, preys on 76 species of aphids infesting 160 species of plants belonging to several families distributed throughout India except Jharkhand and Mizoram states. In union territories, it is recorded preying on aphids only in Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi. The most preferred prey is Aphis (Aphis) gossypii Glover which was found infesting 53 plant species distributed in 21 states/union territories followed by Aphis (Aphis) craccivora Koch infesting 35 plant species distributed in 24 states/union territories and Myzus (Nectarosiphon) persicae (Sulzer) infesting on 20 plant species distributed in 16 states/union territories. Total number of tritrophic relationship of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) (predator-prey-host plant) reported in India was 282; maximally being in Gujarat (72) followed by Uttar Pradesh (56), West Bengal (46), Bihar (43), Karnataka (41), Manipur (38), Maharashtra (25), and less than it in other states.

Research paper thumbnail of SYSTEMATICS, BIOLOGY, ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE, NATURAL ENEMIES AND FOOD PLANTS OF APHIS (APHIS) SPIRAECOLA PATCH, 1914 (APHIDIDAE: HEMIPTERA) IN INDIA

Munis Entomology & Zoology, 2024

Aphis (Aphis) spiraecola Patch, 1914, commonly known as green citrus aphid, spirea aphid, and app... more Aphis (Aphis) spiraecola Patch, 1914, commonly known as green citrus aphid, spirea aphid, and apple aphid is a polyphagous feeding on 249 species of host plants belonging to 64 families. However, in few associations the aphids may be vagrent on them without feeding. It reproduces anholocyclclic but records of oviparous females suggest possible holocyclic reproduction in India. It is a key pest on several economically important crops, e.g. citrus, apples and ornamentals in India. In fields, its population is naturally managed by 11 species of parasitic wasps and 43 species of predators of which ladybird beetles (31 species) are dominating followed by hover fly larvae (9 species). A total of 7 species of ants are reported to attend the colonies of Aphis (Aphis) spiraecola on different plants.

Research paper thumbnail of Checklist of arthropod predators of the cotton aphid, Aphis (Aphis) gossypii Glover, 1877 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae), and their distribution in India

Journal of Fauna Biodiversity, 2024

In this article, arthropod predators of Aphis (Aphis) gossypii Glover, 1877 (cotton aphid, melon ... more In this article, arthropod predators of Aphis (Aphis) gossypii Glover, 1877 (cotton aphid, melon aphid, brinjal aphid etc.) are catalogued along with the host plants of the prey distributed in different states and union territories of India. Predatory arthropods of cotton aphid mostly belong to four orders of class Insecta: Coleoptera (Anthribidae, Coccinellidae, Nitidulidae, Staphylinidae), Diptera (Calliphoridae, Chamaemyiidae, Cecidomyiidae, Syrphidae), Hemiptera (Anthocoridae, Geocoridae, Miridae, Pentatomidae) and Neuroptera (Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae); and one order of class Arachnida, the order Araneae (spiders) (10 families). Among the Coleoptera, the Coccinellidae (ladybird beetles) is the largest family having 92 species feeding on this aphid infesting 107 species of host plants distributed in 27 states and union territories of India. A maximum of 52 species of these ladybird beetles' prey

Research paper thumbnail of Checklist of Aphidophagous Predatory Bugs (Heteroptera: Hemiptera: Insecta) in India

International Journal of Biological and Environmental Investigations, 2024

In this study, aphidophagous predatory bugs (Heteroptera: Hemiptera: Insecta) are catalogued alon... more In this study, aphidophagous predatory bugs (Heteroptera: Hemiptera: Insecta) are catalogued along with their prey (aphid) species (Aphididae: Homoptera: Hemiptera) and host plants of the prey recorded in different states and union territories of India. Data reveal that a total of 29 species of Heteroptera are aphidophagous in India belonging to 6 families, Anthocoridae being the largest one comprising 17 species under 10 genera followed by Miridae and Reduviidae (4 species in each), and Geocoridae (2 species in 1 genus), Nabidae and Pentatomidae (one species each) preying on 45 species of aphids belonging to 21 genera associated with 37 species of plants belonging to 26 genera in 13 states/union territories of India; with 88 triplets (tritrophic association of predators, preys and host plants). A maximum of 39 triplets are recorded in Uttarakhand followed by 12 triplets in Ladakh and 9 and 6 triplets in Jammu and Kashmir and West Bengal. A maximum of 13 species of these predators were recorded from Uttarakhand preying on 21 species of aphids feeding on 20 plant species. No species of these predatory bugs is recorded from 17 states and 6 union territories of India. Indeed, no investigation was conducted in most of the states and union territories of India regarding the aphidophagy of predatory bugs and hence, it requires an extensive survey in these areas to record them particularly in the agroecosystems to establish their relationship with aphid preys on different crops.

Research paper thumbnail of CHECKLIST OF APHIDOPHAGOUS NEUROPTERA (INSECTA: ARTHROPODA) IN INDIA 1 1 2

International Journal of Biological Innovations, 2024

The article deals with the record of aphidophagous lacewings (Neuroptera) in India. Data reveals ... more The article deals with the record of aphidophagous lacewings (Neuroptera) in India. Data reveals 32 species of lacewings are aphidophagous in India belonging to 4 families, Chrysopidae being the largest one comprising 24 species under 11 genera followed by Hemerobiidae (6 species in 2 genera) and Dilaridae and Coniopterygidae (one species each) preying on 68 species of aphids belonging to 37 genera associated with 107 species of plants distributed in 23 states/union territories of India. A maximum of 24 species were recorded from Uttarakhand followed by 9 species each from Karnataka and West Bengal, 6 species from Himachal Pradesh, 5 species from Maharashtra, and less than 5 species were recorded from other states/union territories. Out of 32 species of aphidophagous lacewings recorded from India, only Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen, 1935) is considerably widely distributed in 21 states/union territories preying on 42 species of aphids infesting 76 species of plants, mostly crops followed by Micromus timidus Hagen, 1853 which preys on 17 species of aphids infesting 23 food plants distributed in 11 states/union territories of India. Hence, extensive surveys for these lacewings are required throughout the country particularly in agroecosystem to establish their relationship with aphid preys on different crops.

Research paper thumbnail of BIOSYSTEMATICS, ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE, NATURAL ENEMIES AND FOOD PLANTS OF LIPAPHIS (LIPAPHIS) ERYSIMI (KALTENBACH, 1843) (HEMIPTERA: APHIDIDAE) IN INDIA

Munis Entomology & Zoology, 2024

Lipaphis (Lipaphis) erysimi (Kaltenbach, 1843), commonly known as mustard aphid and turnip aphid ... more Lipaphis (Lipaphis) erysimi (Kaltenbach, 1843), commonly known as mustard aphid and turnip aphid is a polyphagous feeding mostly on 52 species of host plants belonging to 42 genera and 19 families. However, in few associations the aphids may be vagrent on them, partcularly on non brassica plants without feeding as host plant. It reproduces anholocyclclic but records of oviparous females suggest possible holocyclic reproduction in India. It is key pest on several economically important crops, e.g. rapeseed mustard, turnip, radish, cabbage, cauliflower etc. in India. In fields, its population is naturally managed by 11 species of parasitic wasps and 66 species of predators of which ladybird beetles are dominating followed by hover fly larvae. A total of 7 species of ants are reported to attend the colonies of Lipaphis (Lipaphis) erysimi on different plants.

Research paper thumbnail of Biosystematics economic importance natural enemies and food plants of Aphis aurantii in India

Munis Entomology & Zoology, 2023

Aphis (Toxoptera) aurantii Boyer de Fonscolombe (1841), commonly known as camellia aphid, black c... more Aphis (Toxoptera) aurantii Boyer de Fonscolombe (1841), commonly known as camellia aphid, black citrus aphid and tea aphid, is a highly polyphagous feeding on almost 176 species/subspecies of plants in India belonging to 134 genera grouped into 57 families. Its life cycle is anholocyclic. Most infectious family is Asteraceae (17 species) followed by Rutaceae (20 species), Fabaceae and Rosaceae (9 species each), Rubiaceae (8 species), Malvaceae, Moraceae and Theaceae (7 species each) and 1 to 6 species of other 49 families of the plants. It is pestiferous on several economically important plants such as citrus, coffee, tea, mango etc. In fields, its population is naturally managed by 6 species of parasitic wasps and 53 species of predators of which ladybird beetles are dominating. A total of 21 species of ants are reported to attend the colonies of Aphis (Toxoptera) aurantii on different plants.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of aphidophagous predators in Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh, India

Arthropods, 2024

An updated checklist of faunal biodiversity of the spiders, in two norther states of India, Uttar... more An updated checklist of faunal biodiversity of the spiders, in two norther states of India, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand is presented herewith. A total of 520 species of spiders described under 236 genera belonging to 50 families were recorded in both the states of north India. The biodiversity of spiders is more in Uttar Pradesh (284 species, 146 genera, 36 families) than Uttarakhand (373 species, 202 genera, 45 families). However, most of the areas in both the states are still virgin regarding the faunal survey programmes and need intensive and extensive survey in those areas by enthusiastic workers.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of aphid parasitoids (Aphidiinae: Braconidae: Hymenoptera) in Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh, India

International Journal of Entomology Research, 2024

The present paper deals with the diversity and host relationship between aphid parasitoids, aphid... more The present paper deals with the diversity and host relationship between aphid parasitoids, aphids and their host plants in Ayodhya district of eastern Uttar Pradesh (India). The result demonstrated the presence of a total of 10 species of parasitoids belonging to 7 genera under 2 families parasitising 13 species of aphids belonging to 9 genera infesting 31 plant species belonging to 9 families in 102 villages/town areas of Ayodhya district. Most of the host plants are highly economically important agricultural crops. About 28% tritrophic associations (parasitoids-hosts-host plants) are new record from India out of total 60 such associations observed. Aphelinidae is represented by a single species, Aphelinus gossypii Timberlake, 1924 while Aphidiinae (Braconidae) comprises 9 species, among which Binodoxys indicus (Subba Rao & Sharma) and Lipolexis oregmae (Gahan) are polyphagous and diversified parasitising 4 and 3 species of aphids infesting 11 and 10 plant species in 27 and 24 villages of Ayodhya, respectively. Other species of parasitoids parasitise 1-3 aphid species on 1-5 host plant species.

Research paper thumbnail of SPIDER FAUNA OF INDIA

Asian Biological Research Foundation, Prayagraj, India Nature Light Publications 309 West 11, Manjari VSI Road, Manjari Budruk, Tal. – Haveli, Dist.- Pune, Pin 412307, 2023

The spiders (Arthropoda: Chelicerata: Arachnida: Araneae) are an exceedingly precious component o... more The spiders (Arthropoda: Chelicerata: Arachnida: Araneae) are an exceedingly precious component of the earth’s ecosystem. They are predatory in feeding habit consuming mostly insects keeping their population under check and hardly pose any danger to humans. They also serve as ecological indicators owing to their extreme sensitivity against their habitat disturbances. The “Spider Fauna of India” is a database that provides a catalogue of known species of spiders distributed in different states and union territories of India. About 123 years ago, the first consolidated volume on the entire Arachnida was published by Pocock (1900) in the “Fauna of British India” series listing only 200 species of spiders. After this, the Indian authors catalogued known species of spiders giving their morphological characteristics and identification keys along with their biology and ecology. After independence, Tikader, B.K. and his associates of Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata have catalogued the spider species belonging to the families Lycosidae (Tikader & Malhotra, 1980), Thomisidae (Tikader, 1980), Araneidae and Gnaphosidae (Tikader, 1982), and Oxyopidae (Gajbe, 2008). Simultaneously, the spider fauna of different ecozones of India were prepared by a number of arachnologists of the country. Tikader (1987) published the comprehensive list of Indian spiders which included 1067 species belonging to 249 genera in 43 families. Keswani and his colleagues (2012) prepared a checklist of spider fauna of India and mentioned 1,686 species of spiders belonging to 438 genera in 60 families. Since then, hundreds of new species are described/recorded. Also, several nomenclatural modifications at the level of species to family have been made. In the recent years, the first author and his research scholars updated the checklist of spider fauna of India both family-wise and state/union territories-wise. In the present book, a total of 2,245 species belonging to 563 genera and 65 families are listed. A comprehensive bibliography is also given at the end. The checklist may inadvertently contain some percentage of errors in the identifications of the spiders distributed in different regions by some researchers. Seemingly, doubtful and erroneous species of spiders are listed separately at the end of the book. For valid scientific names of the spiders World Spider Catalog (http://wsc.nmbe.ch) is followed.

Research paper thumbnail of Food Plant Catalogue of Indian Aphididae

Asian Biological Research Foundation, Pryagraj, 2023

In this book, aphids are catalogued according to the modern classification of their food plants (... more In this book, aphids are catalogued according to the modern classification of their food plants (APG IV, 2016). The aphids are arranged from lower to higher plant groups so that it can be used by entomologists to understand the evolution of interrelationships between plants and aphids, plant pathologists, and members of the public interested in the study of natural history.