New record of the sphingid moth Acherontia styx Westwood, its parasitoid Trichogramma achaeae in Jasmine Jasminum sambac L., and its bioecology

The sphingid moth larvae are voracious defoliators of several crops. present study was conducted to investigate damage Acherontia styx on Jasmine, their seasonal incidence, and bioecology. Larval instars fed jasmine leaves flowers, with the highest defoliation being 35% flower 47% during September. lifecycle consisted egg, five larval instars, pupal, adult stages. eggs were pearly white in colour emerged cylindrical a prominent anal horn. In subsequent moults continued feed become larger until they turned reddish ceased feeding prior pupating soil. Adult moths robust swift fliers. total life cycle from egg 56 days for males 59 females. Trichogramma achaeae Nagaraja & Nagarkatti noticed documented as potential parasitoid moth, new record. A natural parasitization under field conditions, changed deep black which tiny parasitic wasp emerged, identified T. achaea.