Question

Which is known as teak defoliator ?

• A. Hyblaea puera
• B. Dihammus cervinus
• C. Hoplocerambyx spinicornis
• D. Locusta migratoria

Hint:

Teak Pests Distinction:
- Teak Defoliator = Hyblaea puera - Teak Skeletonizer = Eutecto machaeralis - Sal Borer = Hoplocerambyx spinicornis

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the scientific me of the insect pest widely known as the 'teak defoliator'.

Step 2: Major Forestry Insect Pests:

• Hyblaea puera (Hyblaeidae): Teak Defoliator. The larvae consume entire leaf blades leaving only main veins during flush growth periods.
• Eutecto machaeralis (Crambidae): Teak Skeletonizer. Larvae feed on green leaf mesophyll leaving veins intact.
• Hoplocerambyx spinicornis: Sal Heartwood Borer (the most destructive pest of Shorea robusta).
• Dihammus cervinus: Teak Canker Borer.
• Locusta migratoria: Migratory Locust (agricultural crop pest).

Step 3: Detailed Explation:

• Epidemic outbreaks of Hyblaea puera cause total defoliation of teak stands early in the growing season, reducing annual tree increment growth by up to $44\%$.
• Distinguishing features: Hyblaea puera eats the entire leaf tissue (Defoliator), whereas Eutecto machaeralis consumes only intervening parenchymatous tissue (Skeletonizer).

Step 4: Fil Answer:
Hyblaea puera is known as the teak defoliator. Thus, option (A) is correct.