First Record of Apefly (Spalgis epius) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) Predation on Gooseberry Mealybug Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in India

ABSTRACT

Fruits of the Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), rich in nutrients and biologically important phytochemicals, are susceptible to infestations by various insect pests, leading to significant crop damage. Among these pests, the gooseberry mealybug Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, affecting multiple economically important crops. The aphid fly, Spalgis epius (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), is recognized as a natural predator of mealybugs across different agricultural settings. This study presents the first recorded instance of S. epius preying on N. viridis in gooseberry plantations. Field observations were conducted in Vidyanagar, Kasaragod, Kerala, India (12°31′02.8"N, 75°00′44.9"E), where S. epius was identified to be predating on various life stages of N. viridis. The life cycle of S. epius was subsequently studied under laboratory conditions to assess its development while feeding exclusively on N. viridis. Spalgis epius completed its life cycle in an average of 30.47 ± 1.55 days. The mean developmental durations for the egg, first to fifth instar larvae, and prepupal stages were 4.31 ± 0.28, 2.5 ± 0.37, 3.52 ± 0.39, 3.46 ± 0.36, 3.4 ± 0.35, and 3.01 ± 0.35 days, respectively. The pupal stage lasted an average of 10 ± 1.67 days. Adults reared under laboratory conditions had an average body length of 1.1 ± 0.07 cm and a wingspan of 2.18 ± 0.06 cm. This study provides novel insights into the predatory behavior and life cycle of S. epius on the gooseberry mealybug N. viridis, highlighting its potential as a biological control agent. Further research into the ecological interactions between S. epius and mealybugs is crucial to evaluate its effectiveness in integrated pest management strategies for P. emblica cultivation.