About 100 commercially important timber species are being extracted from the natural forests in K... more About 100 commercially important timber species are being extracted from the natural forests in Kerala and stored in depots. The stored timber is often attacked b y borers belonging to the insect order Coleoptera. In the present survey, about 53 species of beetles were recorded as pests of one or more of 46 species of stored timber. These belong to the families, Cerambycidae, Bostrychidae, Lyctidae, Platypodidae, Scolytidae, Curculionidae and Anthribidae. The major cerambycid borers collected in this study were, Batocera rufomaculata (attacking Bombax ceiba, Ceiba pentandra, Manoifera indica and Syzygium cumini) ; Olenecamptus bilobus (attacking Artocarpus hirsutus and Lagerstroemia microcarpa) and Xystrocera globosa (attacking Albizia odoratissima). They generally attack the sapwood as w e l l as heartwood o f freshlv felled timber with intact bark. Borers belonging to the other families are small in size but often cause considerable economic loss. They generally attack the sapwood. Maximum damage is caused t o the l o w density timbers having marked sapwood portion. Finished products such as match veneers, plywoods, packing case boards, brush-handles, bobbins, photo-frames. etc., made out o f these timbers are heavily damaged i n godowns and storage yards. The major borers noticed during the present survey were : Dinoderus minutus, Heterobostrychos aequatis, Sinoxylon anale ( Bostrychidae) ; Lyctus brunneus, Minthea rugicollis (Lyctidae); Platypus solidus, P. latifinis (Platypodidae); Xyleborus similis and X. interjectus (Scolytidae). The important timbers damaged by these borers include, Ailanthus triphysa. Anacardium occidentale, Bombax ceiba, Ceiba pentandra, Canarium strictum. Erythrina indica, Hevea b rasil iensis, Mangife ra indica , Polyalt hia f ragrans, Te t rame les nudiflora and Vateria indica. For easy identification o f important borers, a pictorial key was prepared for each borer family dealt w i t h i n this work. The study was made by visiting various Government Timber Depots in Kerala and making observations and collections. Most timber depots in Kerala were covered (Fig, ); these included Kulathupuzha, Arienkavu, Areekkakavu, Quilon, Thenmala, Angamoozhi, (Southern region); Ernakulam, M u d ica I , Kothamanga lam, Veettoor, Tha lacode, Trichur, Cha la kudy, Kum i ly (Centra I reg ion) ; 0 lavakkode, Wa layar, Nedumgayam, Ka I lai, C ha I iyam, Nanjangode, Bavali and Kuppadi (Northern region). Each depot was visited once, but a t different times of the year. Due to practical difficulties, a systematic survey of a l l the depots a t simultaneous intervals could not be made. In addition to the Government Timber Depots, storage yards and godowns of private industries were also covered wherever possible. These included the Western India Plywoods, Baliyapattam, Gwalior Rayons, Mavoor, Punalur Paper Mills, Punalur and several Packing Case and Photoframe industries in and around Ollur. During each visit to these timber depots all available timber species were examined for borer damage and short notes were taken on the nature of damage. Infested material was collected and taken to the laboratory wherever possible for further extraction of the insects and preparation of the material for identification. The identity of the timber was made from the depot records. Identification was made from adult beetles except in the ease of Cerambycidae. The insects collected were properly set, mounted and labelled. Provisional identification was made by comparison with named specimens available in the collections of Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun. Several specimens were identified by experts in the CIE and most specimens provisionally identified were examined by experts for confirmation of identity. Keys for easy identification wers made by using external characters chiefly elytral, pronotal and antennal structure. The key characters were supplemented with illustrations. The illustrations were prepared free hand after examining the material under a stereoscopic microscope. The insects collected and identified in this survey are maintained i n the Entomolygy Division of KFRI.
Altogether 322 species of insects were collected from the Sanctuary during the two-month survey, ... more Altogether 322 species of insects were collected from the Sanctuary during the two-month survey, of which 301 species could be identified. These included 202 species of butterflies and moths, 49 species of beetles, 25 species of bugs and 12 species of bees and wasps. The butterflies included 73 species of which five were of protected status and three endemic to Western Ghats. The moth fauna was also very rich comprising mostly of arboreal feeding forms indicating a fairly undisturbed forest patch in the area. Among beetles, scavenger beetles showed richness. The passalid beetles found in rotting wood and scarabaeid beetles feeding in dung were the most important groups of scavenger beetles. The herbivorous beetles associated with various plants mostly belonged to the family Chrysomalidae. The bugs collected, include several species of agricultural importance. Among Hymenoptera, six wasp and three bee species could be recorded. In addition to these, six species of dragonflies, 21 uni...
In a study on the insect fauna of Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary 227 species were collected of which ... more In a study on the insect fauna of Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary 227 species were collected of which 206 species were identified. The insects recorded in this study mostly belonged to Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hemiptera. Lepidoptera contained four species of butterflies having protected status (Papilio budha, Hypolimnas missipus, Mycalesis anaxias and Castalius rosimon) besides four species (Papilio paris tamilana, Cyrestis thyodamas, Kaniska canace and Tirumala septentrionis dravidarum) that were rather rare and having restricted distribution. The moth fauna was very rich comprising mostly of arboreal feeding forms indicating a fairly undisturbed forest patch in the area. The fauna included the Atlas Moth Attacus atlas. The pest species identified in this study were mostly associated with graminaceous plants or herbaceous ground vegetation. Beetles were present in abundance being dominated by phytophagous and scavenger forms, the former feeding mostly on herbaceous ground flora and the latter associated with animal excreta. Among bugs, most species collected were phytophagous forms. The hymenoptera contained several species of solitary bees and wasps. Over 20 species of dipteran flies were collected. The leaf insect Phyllium (?) crurifolium and two species of unidentified damselflies (Odonata) were also recorded from the study area.
In a study on the insect fauna of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, 374 species of insects mostl... more In a study on the insect fauna of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, 374 species of insects mostly belonging to Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hemiptera were recorded. The fauna was rich and diverse and contained several rare and protected species. Among butterflies, of the 74 species recorded, six species (Chilasa clytia, Appias lyncida, Appias libythea, Mycalesis anaxias, Hypolimnas misippus and Castalius rosimon) are protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act. Similarly, four species of butterflies, Papilio buddha, Papilio polymnestor, Troides minos, and Cirrochroa thais, recorded in this study are rare and restricted in distribution. The moth fauna is rich in arboreal feeding forms indicating an undisturbed forest patch in the area. Certain species associated with herbaceous ground vegetation are of economic importance, being already reported as pests of various agricultural crops. Beetles are also abundant, being dominated by phytophagous and scavenger forms, the former feeding mostly on herbaceous ground flora and the latter associated with animal excreta. The bugs recorded in this study included mostly phytophagous forms. The hymenopterans contained several species of solitary bees and wasps. An inventory of 382 species of insects recorded from the Sanctuary is given.
Altogether 322 species of insects were collected from the Sanctuary during the two-month survey, ... more Altogether 322 species of insects were collected from the Sanctuary during the two-month survey, of which 301 species could be identified. These included 202 species of butterflies and moths, 49 species of beetles, 25 species of bugs and 12 species of bees and wasps. The butterflies included 73 species of which five were of protected status and three endemic to Western Ghats. The moth fauna was also very rich comprising mostly of arboreal feeding forms indicating a fairly undisturbed forest patch in the area. Among beetles, scavenger beetles showed richness. The passalid beetles found in rotting wood and scarabaeid beetles feeding in dung were the most important groups of scavenger beetles. The herbivorous beetles associated with various plants mostly belonged to the family Chrysomalidae. The bugs collected, include several species of agricultural importance. Among Hymenoptera, six wasp and three bee species could be recorded. In addition to these, six species of dragonflies, 21 unidentified species of flies, three species of grasshoppers and four species of other insects were recorded. An inventory of insects identified from the Sanctuary has been presented.
Economic and Ecological Significance of Arthropods in Diversified Ecosystems, 2016
Tropical forest arthropod fauna exhibits incredible diversity. Arthropods in forests are poorly d... more Tropical forest arthropod fauna exhibits incredible diversity. Arthropods in forests are poorly documented in the tropics and subtropics. Because of this, forest arthropod's systematics and phylogeny are poorly documented. Since arthropods like spiders and millipedes are sensitive to changes and ecological disturbances, they are good indicators of environmental changes. Of arthropods, insects are dominant, and among insects, beetles are one of the most diverse and abundant groups on the planet. For every species of plants and birds in the forest, one can fi nd 20, 83 and 312 species of arthropods, respectively. Arthropods carry out a vital role in ecosystem services and need to be conserved. But they are often ignored in conservation and management plans. Reducing habitat loss, human intervention, impact of global warming and invasive species would go a long way in arthropod conservation. Legislation, public participation, social acceptance and regional, national and international networking would substantially contribute to forest management in conserving biological diversity including arthropods.
Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 2009
Introduction The Palm King Amathusia phidippus Linnaeus is an extremely rare and endangered speci... more Introduction The Palm King Amathusia phidippus Linnaeus is an extremely rare and endangered species of butterfly that is strictly restricted to the southernmost tip of peninsular India, widely known as the Travancore in the State of Kerala (Wynter-Blyth 1957). Occurrence of several races of this species has been reported from Myanmar, Andamans, Java, Bali, Philippine Islands and Borneo (Abrera 1985). In India, Palm King has only been recorded from Travancore, near coconut groves. The species is reported to be locally common in areas where coconut groves are widespread and there appears to be no reason why they are rare at other areas of Kerala where there is substantially good availability of host plants along with comparable levels of temperature and humidity at similar altitudes (Wynter-Blyth 1957). Its rarity, patchy distribution and restricted habitat preferences makes it one of the few Oriental butterflies having a high conservation value (Conservation Value 33 out of 40; Kunte...
An inventory of 1646 species of pyralids so far recorded from India is presented indicating the y... more An inventory of 1646 species of pyralids so far recorded from India is presented indicating the year of publication and the current nomenclatural combination. A key adapted from literature is also given for separation of subfamilies.
... Similarly, predatory in-sects (praying mantis) caused serious problems to the roosting danaid... more ... Similarly, predatory in-sects (praying mantis) caused serious problems to the roosting danaid ... a larger area would definitely be a better option considering the diversified habitat require-ments ... Climatic preferences of butterflies: The climatic prefer-ences of various butterflies are ...
Migration of five species of butterflies viz., Appias albina darada C. & R. Felder, A. wardii Moo... more Migration of five species of butterflies viz., Appias albina darada C. & R. Felder, A. wardii Moore, A. indra shiva Swinhoe, Cepora nadina remba Moore and Graphium sarpedon teredon Felder were recorded during February 2000 in the New Amarambalam Reserve Forest located at an elevation of 650m in the Kerala part of Western Ghats, India. The orientation of flight was from northeast to southwest , along the banks of the river Karimpuzha, and the groups comprised of about 77% of males giving a male to female ratio of 3.4 : 1. The most abundant migratory species were Appias albina darada (53.55%) and A. indra shiva (37.16%) followed by Graphium sarpedon teredon (4.92%), A. wardii (2.73%) and Cepora nadina remba (1.64%). The peak hours of flight was between 1200hr and 1300hr when as many as 160 butterflies/minute were recorded. Mud-puddling behaviour was also observed among the females of A. albina darada.
About 100 commercially important timber species are being extracted from the natural forests in K... more About 100 commercially important timber species are being extracted from the natural forests in Kerala and stored in depots. The stored timber is often attacked b y borers belonging to the insect order Coleoptera. In the present survey, about 53 species of beetles were recorded as pests of one or more of 46 species of stored timber. These belong to the families, Cerambycidae, Bostrychidae, Lyctidae, Platypodidae, Scolytidae, Curculionidae and Anthribidae. The major cerambycid borers collected in this study were, Batocera rufomaculata (attacking Bombax ceiba, Ceiba pentandra, Manoifera indica and Syzygium cumini) ; Olenecamptus bilobus (attacking Artocarpus hirsutus and Lagerstroemia microcarpa) and Xystrocera globosa (attacking Albizia odoratissima). They generally attack the sapwood as w e l l as heartwood o f freshlv felled timber with intact bark. Borers belonging to the other families are small in size but often cause considerable economic loss. They generally attack the sapwood. Maximum damage is caused t o the l o w density timbers having marked sapwood portion. Finished products such as match veneers, plywoods, packing case boards, brush-handles, bobbins, photo-frames. etc., made out o f these timbers are heavily damaged i n godowns and storage yards. The major borers noticed during the present survey were : Dinoderus minutus, Heterobostrychos aequatis, Sinoxylon anale ( Bostrychidae) ; Lyctus brunneus, Minthea rugicollis (Lyctidae); Platypus solidus, P. latifinis (Platypodidae); Xyleborus similis and X. interjectus (Scolytidae). The important timbers damaged by these borers include, Ailanthus triphysa. Anacardium occidentale, Bombax ceiba, Ceiba pentandra, Canarium strictum. Erythrina indica, Hevea b rasil iensis, Mangife ra indica , Polyalt hia f ragrans, Te t rame les nudiflora and Vateria indica. For easy identification o f important borers, a pictorial key was prepared for each borer family dealt w i t h i n this work. The study was made by visiting various Government Timber Depots in Kerala and making observations and collections. Most timber depots in Kerala were covered (Fig, ); these included Kulathupuzha, Arienkavu, Areekkakavu, Quilon, Thenmala, Angamoozhi, (Southern region); Ernakulam, M u d ica I , Kothamanga lam, Veettoor, Tha lacode, Trichur, Cha la kudy, Kum i ly (Centra I reg ion) ; 0 lavakkode, Wa layar, Nedumgayam, Ka I lai, C ha I iyam, Nanjangode, Bavali and Kuppadi (Northern region). Each depot was visited once, but a t different times of the year. Due to practical difficulties, a systematic survey of a l l the depots a t simultaneous intervals could not be made. In addition to the Government Timber Depots, storage yards and godowns of private industries were also covered wherever possible. These included the Western India Plywoods, Baliyapattam, Gwalior Rayons, Mavoor, Punalur Paper Mills, Punalur and several Packing Case and Photoframe industries in and around Ollur. During each visit to these timber depots all available timber species were examined for borer damage and short notes were taken on the nature of damage. Infested material was collected and taken to the laboratory wherever possible for further extraction of the insects and preparation of the material for identification. The identity of the timber was made from the depot records. Identification was made from adult beetles except in the ease of Cerambycidae. The insects collected were properly set, mounted and labelled. Provisional identification was made by comparison with named specimens available in the collections of Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun. Several specimens were identified by experts in the CIE and most specimens provisionally identified were examined by experts for confirmation of identity. Keys for easy identification wers made by using external characters chiefly elytral, pronotal and antennal structure. The key characters were supplemented with illustrations. The illustrations were prepared free hand after examining the material under a stereoscopic microscope. The insects collected and identified in this survey are maintained i n the Entomolygy Division of KFRI.
Altogether 322 species of insects were collected from the Sanctuary during the two-month survey, ... more Altogether 322 species of insects were collected from the Sanctuary during the two-month survey, of which 301 species could be identified. These included 202 species of butterflies and moths, 49 species of beetles, 25 species of bugs and 12 species of bees and wasps. The butterflies included 73 species of which five were of protected status and three endemic to Western Ghats. The moth fauna was also very rich comprising mostly of arboreal feeding forms indicating a fairly undisturbed forest patch in the area. Among beetles, scavenger beetles showed richness. The passalid beetles found in rotting wood and scarabaeid beetles feeding in dung were the most important groups of scavenger beetles. The herbivorous beetles associated with various plants mostly belonged to the family Chrysomalidae. The bugs collected, include several species of agricultural importance. Among Hymenoptera, six wasp and three bee species could be recorded. In addition to these, six species of dragonflies, 21 uni...
In a study on the insect fauna of Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary 227 species were collected of which ... more In a study on the insect fauna of Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary 227 species were collected of which 206 species were identified. The insects recorded in this study mostly belonged to Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hemiptera. Lepidoptera contained four species of butterflies having protected status (Papilio budha, Hypolimnas missipus, Mycalesis anaxias and Castalius rosimon) besides four species (Papilio paris tamilana, Cyrestis thyodamas, Kaniska canace and Tirumala septentrionis dravidarum) that were rather rare and having restricted distribution. The moth fauna was very rich comprising mostly of arboreal feeding forms indicating a fairly undisturbed forest patch in the area. The fauna included the Atlas Moth Attacus atlas. The pest species identified in this study were mostly associated with graminaceous plants or herbaceous ground vegetation. Beetles were present in abundance being dominated by phytophagous and scavenger forms, the former feeding mostly on herbaceous ground flora and the latter associated with animal excreta. Among bugs, most species collected were phytophagous forms. The hymenoptera contained several species of solitary bees and wasps. Over 20 species of dipteran flies were collected. The leaf insect Phyllium (?) crurifolium and two species of unidentified damselflies (Odonata) were also recorded from the study area.
In a study on the insect fauna of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, 374 species of insects mostl... more In a study on the insect fauna of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, 374 species of insects mostly belonging to Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hemiptera were recorded. The fauna was rich and diverse and contained several rare and protected species. Among butterflies, of the 74 species recorded, six species (Chilasa clytia, Appias lyncida, Appias libythea, Mycalesis anaxias, Hypolimnas misippus and Castalius rosimon) are protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act. Similarly, four species of butterflies, Papilio buddha, Papilio polymnestor, Troides minos, and Cirrochroa thais, recorded in this study are rare and restricted in distribution. The moth fauna is rich in arboreal feeding forms indicating an undisturbed forest patch in the area. Certain species associated with herbaceous ground vegetation are of economic importance, being already reported as pests of various agricultural crops. Beetles are also abundant, being dominated by phytophagous and scavenger forms, the former feeding mostly on herbaceous ground flora and the latter associated with animal excreta. The bugs recorded in this study included mostly phytophagous forms. The hymenopterans contained several species of solitary bees and wasps. An inventory of 382 species of insects recorded from the Sanctuary is given.
Altogether 322 species of insects were collected from the Sanctuary during the two-month survey, ... more Altogether 322 species of insects were collected from the Sanctuary during the two-month survey, of which 301 species could be identified. These included 202 species of butterflies and moths, 49 species of beetles, 25 species of bugs and 12 species of bees and wasps. The butterflies included 73 species of which five were of protected status and three endemic to Western Ghats. The moth fauna was also very rich comprising mostly of arboreal feeding forms indicating a fairly undisturbed forest patch in the area. Among beetles, scavenger beetles showed richness. The passalid beetles found in rotting wood and scarabaeid beetles feeding in dung were the most important groups of scavenger beetles. The herbivorous beetles associated with various plants mostly belonged to the family Chrysomalidae. The bugs collected, include several species of agricultural importance. Among Hymenoptera, six wasp and three bee species could be recorded. In addition to these, six species of dragonflies, 21 unidentified species of flies, three species of grasshoppers and four species of other insects were recorded. An inventory of insects identified from the Sanctuary has been presented.
Economic and Ecological Significance of Arthropods in Diversified Ecosystems, 2016
Tropical forest arthropod fauna exhibits incredible diversity. Arthropods in forests are poorly d... more Tropical forest arthropod fauna exhibits incredible diversity. Arthropods in forests are poorly documented in the tropics and subtropics. Because of this, forest arthropod's systematics and phylogeny are poorly documented. Since arthropods like spiders and millipedes are sensitive to changes and ecological disturbances, they are good indicators of environmental changes. Of arthropods, insects are dominant, and among insects, beetles are one of the most diverse and abundant groups on the planet. For every species of plants and birds in the forest, one can fi nd 20, 83 and 312 species of arthropods, respectively. Arthropods carry out a vital role in ecosystem services and need to be conserved. But they are often ignored in conservation and management plans. Reducing habitat loss, human intervention, impact of global warming and invasive species would go a long way in arthropod conservation. Legislation, public participation, social acceptance and regional, national and international networking would substantially contribute to forest management in conserving biological diversity including arthropods.
Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 2009
Introduction The Palm King Amathusia phidippus Linnaeus is an extremely rare and endangered speci... more Introduction The Palm King Amathusia phidippus Linnaeus is an extremely rare and endangered species of butterfly that is strictly restricted to the southernmost tip of peninsular India, widely known as the Travancore in the State of Kerala (Wynter-Blyth 1957). Occurrence of several races of this species has been reported from Myanmar, Andamans, Java, Bali, Philippine Islands and Borneo (Abrera 1985). In India, Palm King has only been recorded from Travancore, near coconut groves. The species is reported to be locally common in areas where coconut groves are widespread and there appears to be no reason why they are rare at other areas of Kerala where there is substantially good availability of host plants along with comparable levels of temperature and humidity at similar altitudes (Wynter-Blyth 1957). Its rarity, patchy distribution and restricted habitat preferences makes it one of the few Oriental butterflies having a high conservation value (Conservation Value 33 out of 40; Kunte...
An inventory of 1646 species of pyralids so far recorded from India is presented indicating the y... more An inventory of 1646 species of pyralids so far recorded from India is presented indicating the year of publication and the current nomenclatural combination. A key adapted from literature is also given for separation of subfamilies.
... Similarly, predatory in-sects (praying mantis) caused serious problems to the roosting danaid... more ... Similarly, predatory in-sects (praying mantis) caused serious problems to the roosting danaid ... a larger area would definitely be a better option considering the diversified habitat require-ments ... Climatic preferences of butterflies: The climatic prefer-ences of various butterflies are ...
Migration of five species of butterflies viz., Appias albina darada C. & R. Felder, A. wardii Moo... more Migration of five species of butterflies viz., Appias albina darada C. & R. Felder, A. wardii Moore, A. indra shiva Swinhoe, Cepora nadina remba Moore and Graphium sarpedon teredon Felder were recorded during February 2000 in the New Amarambalam Reserve Forest located at an elevation of 650m in the Kerala part of Western Ghats, India. The orientation of flight was from northeast to southwest , along the banks of the river Karimpuzha, and the groups comprised of about 77% of males giving a male to female ratio of 3.4 : 1. The most abundant migratory species were Appias albina darada (53.55%) and A. indra shiva (37.16%) followed by Graphium sarpedon teredon (4.92%), A. wardii (2.73%) and Cepora nadina remba (1.64%). The peak hours of flight was between 1200hr and 1300hr when as many as 160 butterflies/minute were recorded. Mud-puddling behaviour was also observed among the females of A. albina darada.
Uploads
Papers by George Mathew