Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies

Volume 2, Issue 3

Revision of Holotrichia hope (Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) in different agro – climatic zones of Maharashtra (India)

Author(s): S M Dadmal and Suvarna Khadakkar

Abstract: Holotrichia Hope is one of the most destructive genera affecting major field crops of India. Grubs of Holotrichia causes extensive damage to the roots of the field crops. A comprehensive study on the faunal composition of Holotrichia amongst different agroclimatic zones of Maharashtra revealed the presence of five species of Holotrichia viz., Holotrichia akolana, H. nagpurensis, H. serrata, H. fissa and H. reynaudi with varied taxonomical characters bearing distinct morphometric values and male genitalia.  Besides, a pictorial key for the species of Holotrichia provided. H. serrata wasfound to be prevailing in almost all agro climatic zones except South Konkan. H. nagpurensis, was dominant in Western Ghat Hills, Northern Hills and Western Vidarbha plains. H. fissa was recorded from South Konkan, Western Ghat Hills and Northern Hills. H. akolana was found to be endemic to Western Vidarbha plains and H. reynaudi was confined to Western Vidarbha plains and Northern Hills

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