Report of Sastroides besucheti Medvedev (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) on Malabar nutmeg

Abstract

Massive infestation of Sastroides besucheti Medvedev (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is reported on Malabar nutmeg Myristica malabarica Lam.(Myristicaceae), endemic to south India. All the 25 trees in the study area were infested; however, the intensity was lesser on male plants. Eggs, larvae, prepupae and pupae were observed. Pattern of egg laying, feeding habit of grubs and site of pupation were recorded. Infested female trees shed more than 70 per cent of the leaves and the branches dried up from tip downwards. Survival and regeneration of heavily infested female trees are doubtful. This is the first report of S. besucheti on M. malabarica.