New record of invasive moth Phalera cf. bucephala (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) on Salix alba (Salicaceae) from Ladakh, India

Authors

  • Mohd Hussain Department of Zoology, Govt. Degree College Zanskar, UT Ladakh, 194302, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6791-4670
  • Nassreen Fatima Kacho Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kargil-I, Khurbathang, Kargil Ladakh, 194103, India.
  • Basharat Ali Department of Zoology, Kargil Campus, Khumbathang, Kargil Ladakh, 194103, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0801-6405
  • Mohd Ali Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Utter Pradesh, 202002, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9245.18.4.28681-28687

Keywords:

Alien invasive species, climate change, insect outbreaks, Kargil, forest, plant defoliation, polyphagous pest, Suru Valley, Trans-Himalaya

Abstract

The Suru Valley of district Kargil, UT Ladakh, India is part of the Trans-Himalayan region. Over the past two decades, the region has been experiencing climate change, resulting in outbreaks of many invasive insect species in the area. The present study documents a new invasive moth Phalera cf. bucephala (Linnaeus, 1758) on Salix alba and its biology in the region. This species is polyphagous, infesting a wide range of plant species, including those of the genus Salix. Observations indicate that adults emerge in late June, with females laying eggs within 2–3 days. After an incubation period of 10–15 days, larvae hatch in July and pupate in August and September. The insect overwinters in the pupal stage underground, beneath decomposing leaves, grasses, and debris. There are four larval stages, all of which are active feeders, leading to complete defoliation of the host plant within 30 days of emergence. Currently, P. cf. bucephala is confined to the Suru Valley of district Kargil but may potentially spread to neighbouring areas.

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Published

26-04-2026

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 4 (2026)

Section

Communications

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Copyright (c) 2026 Mohd Hussain, Nassreen Fatima Kacho, Basharat Ali, Mohd Ali

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