First report of Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Waterlily from Karnataka

Abstract

Waterlily (Nymphaea spp.) is an important aquatic ornamental plant cultivated in shallow water bodies under warm climatic conditions. During field observations, severe damage to foliage and flower buds was recorded, characterized by scraping, defoliation and boring symptoms caused by caterpillars. The insect responsible for the damage was identified as the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura. Infestation resulted in considerable deterioration of plant appearance and floral quality. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented report of S. litura infesting waterlily in Karnataka, highlighting a new host association and the need for monitoring this pest in aquatic ornamental ecosystems