An annotated checklist of the family Chalcididae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) is presented for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Based on the specimen data of the expeditions undertaken during 2012, 2016 and 2024 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru (ICAR-NBAIR) team, across the archipelago alongside integrating species data from the literature review, a total of 54 extant species representing ten genera and four subfamilies are documented, thus adding 38 species as new distribution records. The present study indicates Haltichellinae as the dominant subfamily, followed by Brachymeriinae, Dirhininae and Epitraninae, with Brachymeria Westwood, Antrocephalus Kirby, and Hockeria Walker being the most diverse genera. The fauna exhibits strong biogeographic affinities with mainland India and Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam).
A research trial was conducted to investigate the significance of the development and predatory potential of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Peterson) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) against sucking pests, Aphis gossypii Glover (Aphididae: Hemiptera) and Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Pseudococcidae: Hemiptera) under laboratory conditions during 2023-2024. Among the seven larval diets tested, the shortest larval (8.13 ± 0.29 days) and pupal period (7.73 ± 0.06 days), highest adult longevity (M: 24.26 ± 0.24 days, F: 38.66 ± 0.46 days), and maximum fecundity (447.33 ± 21.71) were observed, when the C. zastrowi sillemi larvae fed on eggs of C. cephalonica followed by adults of A. gossypii. These larval diets proved to be the most suitable regime for supporting the optimal growth and development of C. zastrowi sillemi. The predatory potential of C. zastrowi sillemi increased with larval stage advancement. Maximum predation rate was observed when Chrysoperla larvae fed on the first instars of P. solenopsis (893.66 ± 13.73), followed by eggs of C. cephalonica (724.33 ± 24.67) and nymphs of A. gossypii (495.33 ± 5.81). Results suggested that C. zastrowi sillemi could be a potential alternative to conventional insecticides for managing A. gossypii and P. solenopsis. It can be effectively used as a sustainable and environmentally sound component for integrated pest management strategies.
The present checklist of spider fauna of Himachal Pradesh is the result of a compilation of all published literature up to December 1, 2025. A total of 129 species of spiders, representing 77 genera and 25 families, have been reported from various districts of Himachal Pradesh. We carried out a systematic survey in three ecosystems of the Kangra Valley, namely, paddy, tea plantations and natural ecosystems. Gea jingdong Mi, Wang and Gan, 2024 (Araneae: Aranaeidae) was recorded for the first time in India. Taxonomic illustrations of the newly recorded species are provided, ensuring precise and reliable species identification. This investigation highlights the need for further systematic surveys across different ecosystems of Himachal Pradesh, as many more species of spiders need to be recorded. Such efforts can also help create awareness among the farming community about the ecological role of spiders and the importance of conservation of rare species. This checklist provides essential baseline data for research, education and biodiversity conservation efforts.
The laboratory study on bio-efficacy of the best compatible combination of Beauveria bassiana Vuill. (1x107) with each of neem oil (0.50%) (T1), karanja oil (0.25%) (T2), jatropha oil (0.5%) (T3), citronella oil (0.30%) (T4), along with single application of B. bassiana (1x 107) (T5), citronella oil (T6) and chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (positive control) (T7) against cabbage butterfly larvae, Pieris brassicae L revealed the highest (5.00, 22.50, 65.00, 92.50, 100%) larval mortality at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 Hours After Treatment (HAT) respectively in T4. However, T6 recorded the lowest (75%) larval mortality at 120 HAT. The field efficacy of the best combination [citronella oil (0.30%) + B. bassiana (1x 107)] revealed 4.51, 11.61, 28.38% population reduction on 3rd, 5th, 7th Days After Spraying (DAS) while 42.28, 49.15, 29.98 and 43.72, 50.18, 60.77 % reduction as compared to positive control and control, respectively.
Mosquitoes are the vectors for the transmission of life-threatening diseases, including malaria, dengue, Zika, lymphatic filariasis, and arboviruses, which are major public health concerns worldwide. Developed insecticidal resistance in vector mosquitoes, and the adverse environmental impacts of currently available insecticides have alarmed the development of alternative and safe vector control methods to limit vector-borne disease transmission. As an alternative to chemical insecticides, entomopathogenic fungi offer several advantages, including being target-specific, safe, and ecologically sustainable. Based on existing literature, entomopathogenic fungi were extensively tested against mosquitoes at all stages of their life cycle. In recent years, significant advancements have been made to enhance the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungi against mosquitoes, and various strategies have been employed to target mosquitoes. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the infection mechanism of entomopathogenic fungi and their methods of application in mosquito control. Current studies state that EPF has the potential to serve as a promising tool for the control of vector mosquitoes.
