Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

This study describes a new host record of an eulophine parasitoid of the genus Elasmus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) from Karnataka that was reared from the larva of Banana skipper, Erionata torus (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae). The banana skipper or banana leaf-roller or red eye skipper, Erionota torus is a common banana pest in Southeast Asia. The larva causes considerable damage to foliage of banana by rolling the leaf while feeding on it. Elasmus brevicornis Gahan (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae:Eulophinae) is redescribed and illustrated. Previously E. brevicornis has been reported from various lepidopteran pests including Erionata thrax L. although it is reported first time from E. torus. This offers new perspectives for the use of this parasitic wasp in biological control programmes against this destructive pest.