CYCAD BLUE BUTTERFLY CHILADES PANDAVA PANDAVA HORSFIELD, 1829 (LEPIDOPTERA : LYCAENIDAE) INFESTATION ON CYCAS REVOLUTA N BENGALURU

A survey was undertaken in Bengaluru on cycad blue butterfly, Chilades pandava pandava (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) infestation on the King Sago palm, Cycas revoluta during June-August 2014. The survey-locations included residential places, parks, botanical gardens, Institutes and nurseries. Number of cycads, height and extent of damage by larvae of the butterflies was recorded and scaled (0-100%) at each location. The extent of damage was minimal to severe in the newly emerging fronds. Mean percent infestation considering all species of cycads was 16.4 + 27.4 (Cycas revoluta comprised 18.8 + 28.75, while other cycas species comprised 2.8 + 10.25). Hence, necessary management measures including monitoring the spread and neem based botanical sprays can be envisaged to check the damage caused by the butterfly.