Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the insect pest that primarily feeds on the foliage (defoliator) of the Deodar tree ($Cedrus$ $deodara$).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• $Ectropis$ $deodarae$, also known as the Deodar Geometrid or Looper, is a major pest of Deodar forests in the Himalayas. The larvae (caterpillars) feed aggressively on the needles of the tree.
• Severe infestations can lead to complete defoliation. While a single defoliation may not kill a healthy tree, repeated attacks weaken the tree, making it susceptible to secondary attacks by bark beetles or diseases.
• The name itself, "deodarae," is a helpful clue indicating its host specificity to $Cedrus$ $deodara$.
• As noted in the previous solution, Plecoptera reflexa affects Shisham, Hoplocerambyx affects Sal heartwood, and Eutectona affects Teak leaves.
• Control of this forest pest in the difficult Himalayan terrain is challenging and often relies on monitoring and occasional biological or chemical interventions during peak outbreak years.
Step 3: Final Answer:
$Ectropis$ $deodarae$ is a Deodar defoliator.