a survey of beetles damaging commercially impotrtant ... - Icrisat.ac.in

KFRI Research Report 10A SURVEY OF BEETLES DAMAGING COMMERCIALLYIMPOTRTANT STORED TIMBER IN KERALAGeorge MathewKERALA FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTEPEECHI, THRISSURJune 1982Pages:92

CONTENTSAbstractPager.10.2Index to insects and Timber species 91 r.10.8I. Introduction r.10.3II. Materials and MethodsIll. Resufts and DiscussionPart A. Insect borers of major timber speciesPart B. Ctassification, biology ercd host range of borersIV. ConclusionsV. Referencesr.10.46 r.10.564686 r.10.688 r.10.7Index to92

ABSTRACTAbout 100 commercially important timber species are beingextracted from the natural forests in Kerala and stored in depots. The storedtimber is often attacked by borers belonging to the insect order Coleoptera.In the present survey, about 53 species of beetles were recorded as pests ofone or more of 46 species of stored timber. These belong to the families,Cerambycidae, Bostrychidae, Lyctidae, Platypodidae, Scolytidae, Curculionidaeand Anthribidae.The major cerambycid borers collected in this study were, Batocerarufomaculata (attacking Bombax ceiba, Ceiba pentandra, Manoifera indicaand Syzygium cumini) ; Olenecamptus bilobus (attacking Artocarpushirsutus and Lagerstroemia microcarpa) and Xystrocera globosa (attackingAlbizia odoratissima).They generally attack the sapwood as well asheartwood of freshlv felled timber with intact bark.Borers belonging to the other families are small in size but often causeconsiderable economic loss. They generally attack the sapwood. Maximumdamage is caused to the low density timbers having marked sapwoodportion.Finished products such as match veneers, plywoods, packing caseboards, brush-handles, bobbins, photo-frames. etc.,made out of thesetimbers are heavily damaged in godowns and storage yards. The majorborers noticed during the present survey were : Dinoderus minutus,Heterobostrychos aequatis, Sinoxylon anale ( Bostrychidae) ; Lyctusbrunneus,Minthea rugicollis (Lyctidae); Platypus solidus, P. latifinis (Platypodidae);Xyleborus similis and X. interjectus (Scolytidae).The important timbersdamaged by these borers include, Ailanthus triphysa. Anacardium occidentale,Bombax ceiba, Ceiba pentandra, Canarium strictum. Erythrina indica,Hevea b rasil iensis, Mangife ra indica , Polyalt hia f ragrans, Te t rame lesnudiflora and Vateria indica.For easy identification of important borers, a pictorial key was preparedfor each borer family dealt with in this work.

I. INTRODUCTIONAbout 100 commercially useful softwood and hardwood timber speciesare extracted from the natural forests of Kerala.raised in plantations.Some of these are alsoThe felled timber is usually stored in the open forvarying periods before transportation to the site of utilisation.In factoriesalso, timber made available in different seasons may be stored for use at alater stage.During such periods of storage, the timber is attacked by variousbeetles which tunnel into the wood and convert it into wasteful powder.These insects may gain entry into the wood from the area where it was firststacked after cutting or while stored as raw or converted timber.At present, the State is facing acute shortage in the supply of rawtimber, especially the softwoods. Recently, about 41 timber species widelyused in various industries have been brought under the provisions of theEssential Commodities Act (1961), according to which the transit of any o fthese timber species to outside Kerala, other than as finished products, hasbeen restricted. It is obvious that we must take adequate measures toprevent the wastage of the scarce raw materials available. Knowledge ofthe identities of the borers and their nature of attack are essential for evolvingsuitable management procedures to prevent insect-caused deterioration oftim ber.Pioneering work on the coleopterous borers of Indian timbers wasdone by Stebbing, during the turn of this centurv (Stebbing, 1914).gave a detailed account of the morphology, taxonomy, biology and bionomicsof various species attacking important timbers.HeIt was shown that theimportant borers belong to the families, Cerambycidae. Bostrychidae, Lyctidae,Platypodidae, Scolytidae, Curculionidae and Anthribidae.Much of the earlier work was of a taxonomic nature involving thesurvey, collection, identification and description of species encountered onvarious timbers.The biology of some important borers were also workedout. These studies were summarised by Beeson (1941) in his classic workon the ecology and control of the forest insects of the Indian sub-region.

3Control aspects of species injurious to economically important timberswere studied by some autnors. Stebbing (1910) found that bamboos couldbe protected from the attacks of Dinoderus beetles by water seasoning andtreatment with Rangoon oil.The effect of water treatment on bambooProtection was further studied by Roonwal et al. (1 966).Roonwal, Chatterjee and Thapa (1960) reported that immersion ofround logs of Terminalia beleric a and T. tomentosa in water for periods overSix months gave protection from borer attack to planks sawn subsequentlyfrom these logs.rhis was attributed to Ieaching of soluble sugars andother substances. Syzygium cumini (Eugenia jambolana ), another speciesstudied was found to be resistant to attack even without treatment. Theeffect of girdling the trees prior to felling, on borer attack was also studiedby Roonwal, Chatterjee and Thapa (1962).The effect of debarking and / or treatment with various insecticides onprotection of timbers of Shorea robusta and Terminalia belerica was studiedby Mathur, Chatterjee and Thapa (1965).Many of the insecticidal treat-ments were found to provide complete protection from borers.Even though considerable work has been done on the insect borers ofvarious timbers in other places, no concerted attempt has so far been madein this line in Kerala. Although many timbers common in Kerala also occurin other parts of India, the borers recorded as serious pests elsewhere maynot have the same status here due to differences in the distribution of insects.For instance, timbers such as Mangifera indica and Hevea brasiliensiswhichare prone to heavy insect damage in Kerala are known to be free of borerattack in places like Coimbatore in the adjoining State.In the present study, observations were made on the insects associatedwith 45 commercially important timber species. The selection of thesetimbers was based on their availability in the State during the period ofstudy.The findings are organized in two parts. In Part A insects collectedin the present survey are listed under their respective host timbers highlightingthe damage caused by the major borers. In Part B, the classification, biologyand host range of the borers collected in the present survey are discussed.For easy reference, an index to timbers and insects discussed in this studyare given.

IIMATERIALS AND METHODSThe study was made by visiting various Government Timber Depots inKerala and making observations and collections. Most timber depots inKerala were covered (Fig, 1 ); these included Kulathupuzha, Arienkavu,Areekkakavu, Quilon, Thenmala, Angamoozhi, (Southern region); Ernakulam,Mud ica I , Kothamanga lam, Veettoor, Tha lacode, Trichur, Cha la kudy, Kum i ly(Centra I reg ion) ; 0 lavakkode, Wa layar, Nedumgayam, Ka I lai, C ha I iyam,Nanjangode, Bavali and Kuppadi (Northern region). Each depot was visitedonce, but at different times of the year. Due to practical difficulties, asystematic survey of all the depots at simultaneous intervals could not bemade. In addition to the Government Timber Depots, storage yards andgodowns of private industries were also covered wherever possible. Theseincluded the Western India Plywoods, Baliyapattam, Gwalior Rayons,Mavoor, Punalur Paper Mills, Punalur and several Packing Case and Photo-frame industries in and around Ollur.During each visit to these timber depots all available timber specieswere examined for borer damage and short notes were taken on the natureof damage. Infested material was collected and taken to the laboratorywherever possible for further extraction of the insects and preparation of thematerial for identification. The identity of the timber was made from thedepot records.Identification was made from adult beetles except in the ease ofCerambycidae. The insects collected were properly set, mounted and labelled.Provisional identification was made by comparison with named specimensavailable in the collections of Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun. Severalspecimens were identified by experts in the CIE and most specimens provisionallyidentified were examined by experts for confirmation of identity.Keys for easy identification wers made by using external characterschiefly elytral, pronotal and antennal structure. The key characters weresupplemented with illustrations. The illustrations were prepared free handafter examining the material under a stereoscopic microscope.The insects collected and identified in this survey are maintained inthe Entomolygy Division of KFRI.

Fig. 1 . Map of Kerala showing collection localities.

IIIRESULTS AND DISCUSSIONPART A - INSECT BORERS OF MAJOR TIMBER SPECIESThe coleopterous borers can be generally grouped into two categoriesviz., the large borers belonging to the family Cerambycidae and the smallborers belonging mainly to the families, Bostrychidae, Lyctidae, Scolytidae,Platypodidae, Curculionidae and Anthribidae.The Cerambycidae, commonly called longicorn or long-horned beetles,generally attack freshly felled timber. Their eggs are laid in crevices in thebark and the newly hatched larvae feed underneath the bark initially. Thenthey tunnel into the sapwood boring out large excavations filled with frassand excreta. Prior to pupation most species bore into the heartwood causingconsiderable damage to timber.The small borers have been variously called powder-post beetles,pin-hole borers, ambrosia beetles, shot-hole borers etc. Although the termpowder-post beetle is generally applied to the Bostrychidae and Lyctidae,pin-hole borers to Platypodidae, shot-hole borers and ambrosia beetles toScolytidae, much confusion exists in the literature due to such usage becauseno clear distinction can be made between the various categories. In thepresent report, the term small borers will be used to refer to all the abovefamilies and the family name will be used wherever further distinction isnecessary.The small borers generally start their attack immediately after the treeis cut and stacked. They also attack converted and sawn timber, commercialproducts like veneers, packing-case boards, bobbins, tool handles etc. andhence are of great economic significance. The damage caused by severalspecies is confined to the outer sapwood which in the case of hard timbersis not very significant since the sapwood portion is often discarded when thetimber is processed. However, in the case of soft timbers with low heart-wood content, the tunnels extend as far as the centre of the logs. This isespecially so in the case of boles of small dimensions.Timber thus heavilyattacked is practically of no use where planks are desired. Planks of evenhard timber used in furniture, buildings, machineries, etc . are also susceptibleto this group of borers.

71. Aglaia elaeagnoidea (A. Juss.) Benth.(A. roxburghiana Miq.)Large borersMeliaceaeNilSmall borersPlatypus solidus Wlk.(Platypodidae)Larvae and adults of this beetle tunnel very deep in the timber.PlanksStored logs as well as converted timber are susceptible to attack.when attacked are completely riddled rendering them unfit for use.No insect has so far been reported to cause damage to stored timberof this species in India. P. solidus recorded in this survey was collectedfrom only one locality in Kerala where it was found to cause serious damageto converted timber used in construction work.2. Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston(A. malabarica DC.)Large borersS imaroubaceaeNilSmall borersPlatypus solidus Wlk.(Platypodidae)Larvae and adults attack freshly stacked logs. The pin-hole typeborer holes extend as far as the centre. Heavy infestation of this borercan render the logs unfit for peeling for match veneers, for which this timberis widely used in Kerala.Although Bhasin and Roonwal (1954) recorded 4 species of borerson this timber, none of them have been collected in the present study.P. solidus is recorded for the first time on this timber. Since this timberspecies is in high demand for match industry and is quickly utilized withoutmuch storage, complete information on potential borers could not begathered.

Small borersSinoxylon anale Les.9(Bostrychidae)S. crassum Les. ( 6' )Xylothrips flavipes 111. ( ,* )Minthea rugicollis Wlk. (Lyctidae)Xystrocera globosa which makes longitudinal tunnels in the heartwoodPortion (Fig. 2) cause major damage to this timber. Sinoxylon anale,Fig. 2 - Tunnels of Xystrocera globosa in Albizia odoratissima.shows the adult beetle.lnsetS. crassum and Xylothrips flavipes attack the sapwood. Thev cause onlyminor damage to stored timber since the attack is confined to the outersapwood which is usually excluded while converting raw timbers. Minthearuoicol/is makes grooves along the surface in sawn, stacked timber resultingin depreciation of commercial value.In literature, 30 species of borers have been recorded to attack thesapwood of this timber which include all the species collected in the presentsurvey except M. rugicollis (Bhasin & Roonwal, 1954). The major uses ofthis timber are in house construction and for making cabinets, furniture etc.Damage by X. globosa render the logs unfit for these uses.

Xyleborus simiiis Ferr.11(Scolytidae)X. interjectus Bland. ( ,. )The cerambycids cause heavy damage to freshly felled timber as wellas injured standing trees, boring large excavations in the sapwood. Whenabout to pupate, they also tunnel into the heartwood for undergoing pupation-The small borers S. anale, X. similis and X. interjectus attack storedlogs and planks.This timber, used mainly for pulp wood in Kerala, suffersheavy damage from the small borers during storage.Bhasin & Roonwal (1 954) records about 13 species of borers attackingthis timber.8. Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk.(A.integrifolia Linn.)MoraceaeLarge borersBatocera rufomaculata De GeerSmall borersXyleborws interjecfws Bland.(Cerambycidae)(Scolytidae)X. similis Ferr. ( 11 1Cossonus divisus Mischl. (Curculionidae)Sintor sp.(Anthri bidae)Freshly felled timber is very susceptible to damage by the cerambycid,Batocera rufomaculata which make extensive excavations in the sapwood.The mature larva penetrate into the heartwood. In large trunks the galleriesextend to about half its diameter.The scolytids, Xyleborus interjectus and X. similis (Fig. 3) attackdebarked timber. Their galleries reach upto the heartwood riddling it withseveral branching tunnels. Even painted wood in furniture and door panelswere found to be susceptible to attack by these borers. The Anthribid,Sintor sp. bore in the outer sapwood of cut timber.The Brenthids Tracherizus politus and Orfilaia truncata were collectedfrom beneath the bark of rotten logs and probably do not, cause directdamage to stored timber.

12Fig. 3 - Plank of Artocarpus heterophyllus showing pinholes ofXyleborus similis.Cerambycids are the major borers of freshly felled timber, while thescolytids are serious borers in planks and boards, or when used in furniture.turnery articles, plywoods etc. Bhasin & Roonwal (1954) and Duffy (1968)have recorded 45 species of borers attacking this timber, of which 24 speciesbelong to cerambycidae.Large borers9 Artocarpus hirsutus Lamk.MoraceaeOlenecamptus bilobus Fb.(Ceram byc idae)Small borersSinoxylon anale Les.(Bostrychidae)Xylothrips flavipes Ill. ( ,I )Aclees birmanus Fst.(C urc u I ion id ae)The cerambycid, Olenecamptus bilobus cause serious damage by boringinitially between the bark and sapwood and later in the heartwood. The

13galleries result in large excavations in the sapwood which usually take asinuous course into the heartwood where the insect makes the pupal chamber.The bostrychids,Sinoxylon anale and Xylothrips flavipes generallybore in the sapwood portion. However, in one instance, S. anale was noted tobore in the heartwood as well, of timber used as door frames. The curculionid,Aclees birmanus was collected from old borer holes and its role as a borerneeds confirmation.In literature, there is mention of 12 borers damaging storedA. hirsutus (Bhasin & Roonwal, 1954). This timber is used mainly inconstruction works, for making heavy packing cases, cabinets, furniture etc.Damage by 0. bilobus can render the logs unfit for these purposes.10. Bombax ceiba Linn.(Salmalia malabarica(DC.) (Schott. and Endl.)Born bacaceaeLarge borersBatocera rufomaculata De Geer (Cerambycidae)Glenea homonospila J. Thoms. ( I, )Small borersDinoderus minutus Fb.(Bostrychidae)D. bifoveolatus Wol I. )Sinoxylon anale Les. ( 3, )S. atratom Ces. ( a t )Heterobosfrychus aequalis Wat. ( ,, )Xylothrips flavipes III. ( D l )Platypus latifinis W I k.Crossotarsus saundersi Chap. ( I, )Xyleborus interjectus Bland.(Platypodidae)(Scol yt idae)Freshly cut timber is very susceptible to attack by Batocera rufomaculata.which bore extensive tunnels rendering it unfit for peeling of veneers.Glenea homonospila generally starts its attack on branches and twigs of living

14trees. The galleries run through the sapwood ; the attacked portion is oftenkilled as a result of girdling. The grubs persist in stored timber.Sinoxylon anale (Fig. 4) and S. atratum cause considerable damage inthe storage yards of match and Plywood factories where large quantities ofthis timber are generally stored. These bore very deep in the wood, thegalleries reaching as far as the centre. Timber thus affected are often notmore than a skeleton of interwoven borer galleries. Heterobostrychusaequalis was noted to attack stored round logs as well as match veneers(Fig. 5). In stacks of veneers the borer activity was often not externallyvisible since the exposed veneers were not affected and the frass accumulatedinside between the veneers. H. aequalis is of great economic significancesince this timber species is widely used in veneer, plywood and matchindustries in Kerala. The brenthid, Trachelizus politus was noticed to breedin rotten timber.Bhasin and Roonwal (1 958) reported the following borers from thistimber - Plocaederus ferrugineus, Xystrocera globosa (Cerambycidae)Alcidodes affaber, Desmidophorus heber (Curculionidae) Xyleborusandrewesi, X. interjectus and X. kraatzi. (Scolytidae). It may be noted thatexcept for X. interjecrus none of these species were recorded during thisstudy, but 11 additional borers were found.

IFig. 4 - Round logs of Bornbox ccibaheavily attacked by Sinoxylonanale.Fig. 5 - Match veneers of Bombax ceiboshowing damage by Hetero.bosfychus aequalis.

16Large borersNil11. Calophyllum elatum Bedd.(C. tomentosum Sensu T. And.)GuttiferaeSmall borersSinoxylon anale Les.(B ost ryc h idae)Heterobostrychus aequalis Wat. ( I , )The sapwood portion is heavily attacked by Sinoxylon anale andHeterobostrychus aeqoalis rendering it unfit for use in making furniture,cabinets and heavy packing cases.No borers have been recorded previously in this timber.Large borersNilSmall borersXylothrips flavipes12. Canarium strictum Roxb.B urseraceaeI I I. ( B ostryc h idae)Minthea rugicollis W Ik.(Lyctidae)Platypus nilgiricus Bees. (Platypodidae)Debarked timber was found to be more susceptible to attack byPlatypus nilgiricus. The tunnels extend deep into the heartwood but mostdamage was superficial. In the case of freshly cut logs with bark, a thickexudation of gum following insect injury apparently serves as a deterrent tothe establishment of borers.The major use of this timber is in veneer andpacking case industries where damage by this borer is often a problem.Xylothrips flavipes (Bostrychidae) confine its attack to the outer sapwoodportion resulting in the loss of several layers of veneers while peeling.The lyctid, Minthea rugicollis attacks sawn timber causing serious damage(Fig. 6).Bhasin & Roonwal (1958) have recorded 88 species of beetles on thisjimber which include Xylothrips flavipes (Bostrychidae) and Platypus solidus(Platypodidae) which are common in Kerala. P. nilgiricus has not previouslybeen recorded on this timber.

17' i-I "Fig. 6 - A Xylarium specimen of Canarium stricturn riddled byMinthea rugicollis.Large borers13. Careya arborea Roxb.BarringtoniaceaeBotocero rufumoculata De Geer (Cerarnbycidae)B. rubus Linn. ( , )Small borersNil.The sapwood is very susceptibte to attack by B. rufomoculata whichoften greatly affect its use in packing case and match industries. Informationon other potential borers could not be gathered as this timber was scarce indepots during this survey.Bhasin & Roonwal (1958) have recorded 21 species of borers whichincluded 8 species of Cerambycidae and 5 each of platypodids and scolytids.B. rufomalculata recorded here has not been recorded earlier on this timber.Large borers14. Cassia fistula Linn.Caesalpin iaceaeXylotrechus sp. (Ceram byc idae)

Small borers18Sinoxylon conigerum Les. (Bostrychidae)Stored logs of this timber were found to be heavily attacked by thecerambycid, Xylotrechus sp. The borer holes were about 3 mrn. indiametar and were distributed at about 2 cm. apart all over the log. Sinceits attack is confined mostly to logs of small diameter, it is not a seriousproblem for its use in house construction, etc.sapwood.The bostrychid, Sinoxylon conigerum cause only minor damage toBhasin & Roonwal(1958) have recorded 21 species of borers damagingthis timber. The borers recorded here have not been listed by them.Large borers15. Ceiba pentandra (Linn,) Gaertn.(Eriodendron anfractuosum DC.)Bom bacaceaeBatocera rufornaculata De Geer (Cerambycidae)Batocera sp. ( ,* )Small borersSinoxylon anale Les.(Bostrychidae)Dinoderus sp. ( ,. )Xylothrips flavipes Ill. ( It )Platypus cavus Strohm. (Platypodidae)P. latifinis Wl k ( ,, )P .solidus Wlk. ( ,l )Xyleborus interjectus Bland (Scolytidae)The freshly cut timber is very susceptible to damage by Batocerarufomaculata (Fig. 7 ) which bore initially into the sapwood and subsequentlyinto the heartwood resulting in the formation of large longitudinal tunnels.Large quantities of this timber are often stored for the manufacture ofmatches, light packing cases etc. The bostrychid, Sinoxylon anale causeserious damage to the sapwood of stored logs in a short time. Xylothripsflavipes attacks both round logs as well as finished products. The platy-podids, P. latifinis, P. solidus and the scolytid, Xyleborus interjectus attack

19this timber under long periods of storage. Their galleries reach as far as theheartwood. The other borers recorded here cause only minor damage.Bhasin & Roonwal (1958) have listed Batocera numitor and B.rufomaculata on this timbar. Duffy (1968) reported 6 more species ofCerambycidae attacking this timber in the British Commonwealth.Large borersSmall borersFig. 7 - Bole of Ceiba pentandra showing tunnels made byBatocera rufomaculata.Nil16 Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.PapilionaceaeSinoxylon anale Les. (Bostrychidae)Minthea rugicollis Wlk. (Lyctidae)Xyleborus interjectus Bland. (Scolytidae)

20This is one of the highly priced Indian timbers used in constructionwork, furniture, turnery items, tool handles, decorative veneers, plywoods.ornamental work etc. Small borers cause serious damage to the sapwoodwhether in round logs or finished products. They are a serious problemwhere sapwood is included in ornamental work with this timber. However,in constructional timber, sapwood is excluded.Duffy (1968) and Mathur & Singh (1959) have recorded 29 speciesof borers on this timber.Large borersNilSmall borers17. Dalbergia lanceolaria Linn. f.PapilionaceaeSinoxylon anale Les.Minthea rugicollis Wlk.Xyleborus similis Ferr.(Bostrychidae)(Lyctidae)(Scolytidae)

Round logs are21heavi ly attacked by the bostrychid, Sinoxylon analeriddling it with numerous borer holes (Fig, 9). Xyleborus similis (Scolytidae)also attack the sapwood of stored logs. Sawn timber were found to beattacked by Minthea rugicollis (Lyctidae) in one instance.Since the major use of this timber is ;for making light packing casesand for temporary construction works the small borers are a problem whenthis timber is used without proper prophylactic treatments.Mathur & Singh (1 959) have recorded Stromatium barbatum (Ceramby-cidae) as boring in drywood. The insects listed herein have not beenreported previously on this timber.Fig. 9 - Dalbergia lanceolaria attacked by Sinoxylon anale, showing Larvalgalleries in cross section.Large borersNil.18. Dipterocarpus indicus Bedd.D ipterocarpaceaeSmall borersPlatypus solidus WI k.P. nilgiricus Bees.(Platypodidae)( I. )

22Debarked timber of this species was found to be highly susceptibleto the above borers.About 16 species of borers (Browne, 1958) have been recorded on thistimber which is used in veneer and plywood industries. These includePlatypus uncinatus and Xyleborus andrewesi which have been recorded on othertimbers in the present study. Under prolonged periods of storage thesespecies may become serious pests.19.Large borersNilSmall borersDysoxylum malabaricun Bedd. ex HiernMeliaceaeXyleborus interjectus Bland. (Scolytidae)X. similis Ferr. ( ,I )These borers cause minor damage to the sapwood.No information on the borers of this timber is available in the literature.However, the related tree species D. binectariferum is known to be attacked byXyleborus tegolensis (Scolytidae), Stenoscelis ruptus (Curculionidae), Diapusquinquispinatus (P latypodidae). Cerobotes sexsulcatus and C. sumatranus(Brenthidae) (Mathur & Singh, 1959). The major use of this timber is inveneer and plywood industries, for making furniture, packing cases etc.Large borersNil20. Elaeocarpus tuberculatus Roxb.ElaeocarpaceaeSmall borersPlatypus solidus Wlk. (Platypodidae)Detailed observation on the damage caused by borers could not bemade since this timber was scarce in depots during the period of study.Damage caused by P. solidus was minor and confined to the outer sapwood.Literature records of borers on this timber include Epepeotes uncinatus(Cerambycidae), Xylothrips flavipes and Thamnurgides cardamomi (Scolytidae)

23(Mathur and Singk, 1959). The major use of this timber is in buildingconstruction and for making plywood, match splints, packing case boards etc.Further studies are required to establish the extent of borer damage.Large borersNilSmall borers21. Erythrina indica Lamk.FabaceaeSinoxylon anale Les, (Bostrychidae)Xyleborus interjectus Bland.(Scolytidae)X. similis Ferr. ( I* )Crossotarsus indicus Strohm. (Platypod idae)Mecistocerus mollis Fst.(C urcu l ionidae)Stored logs are very susceptible to damage by Xyleborus interjectus andX. similis (Fig. 10). The galleries reach as far as the centre of the logs convert-ing it into a mass of interconnected galleries filled with frass within a shortperiod. Occasionally, Platypus solidus was also noted to cause such type ofdamage. Sinoxylon anale and S. conigerum generally confine their attack in theouter sapwood (upto 5 cm. depth). The significance of Mecistocerus molliswhich was collected from an old borer hole could not be established. Sagrafemorata(Chrysomalidae) was found to bore in live branches resulting in theformation of cankers. Jrachelizus politus (Brenthidae) breed under loose barkand rotten timber,The colydid, Teredolaemus similis was collected from logs damaged byX. similis and X. interjectus. J. major a related species is known to bepredatory on Scolytidae (Beeson, 1941).Duffy (1968) and Mathur &Singh (1959) have recorded 21 speciesof borers on this timber which is extensively used as a pulpwood in Kerala.This include the cerambycids, Botocera rubus, B. rufomaculata, Stromatiumbarbatum and Sthenias grisator, all of which occur in Kerala. Besides,Remphan sp. (Abraham et al. 1978) and Acanthophorus serraticornis (Jobson,1981, Pers. Comm ) have been noted to attack standing trees of E. indicalocally.

24Fig. 10 - Erythrina indica in longitudinal section showing combineddamage by Sinoxylon anale, Xyleborus similis and X. interjectus.Large borers22. Eucalyptus Spp.M yrtaceaeCelosterna scabrator (Fb.) (Cerambycidae)Eucommatocera vittata White ( I , )Small borersSinoxylon anale Les.(Bostrychidae)Celosterna scabrator bores in live E. tereticornis and the grubs continueto develop in cut timber. Sinoxylon anale has been found to attack thesapwood of E. grandis and the bark of E. torelliana.The outer sapwood of

25E. grandis was tunnelled by Si/esis indicus (Buprestidae). The cerambycid,Eucommatocera vittota was collected from the bark of E. grandis, but whetherit cause any damage could not be asceitained.Large borersSerixia sp.23. Garcinia indica Chois.Clusiaceae(Cerambycidae)Small borersNilSerious damage was caused by this species to stored logs ofGarcinia indica. The affected logs were riddled by large holes distri-buted about a centimeter apart and the galleries extend as far as theheartwood. The holes were 0.5 cm in diameter. Timber thus affected isnot usable for making packing cases and cabinets for which this timber iscommonly used.Mathur and Singh (1960-b) have recorded Stromatium barbatum, anothercerambycid, from this timber.Large borers24. Gmelina arborea Roxb.Verbena cea eAcalolepta rusticatrix (Fb.) (Cerambycidae)Dihamus cervinus Hope ( 1, )Small borersXyleborus fornicatus E ichh. (Scolytidae)The cerambycids, Acalolepta rusticatrix (Fig. 1 ) and Dihamus cervinusattack sick or unhealthy trees and may persist in freshly cut timber. Thegalleries are extensive and seen longitudinally through the sapwood.The scolytid, Xyleborus fornicatus attack branches of living trees andoccasionally stored poles (Fig. 12) as well.

A proper assessment of the storage pest problem for this timber couldnot be made as the species was scarce in depots. Its major use is inconstruction works, for making cabinets, packing cases, turnery articles,furniture etc.Mathur and Singh (1960-b) have recorded 36 species of borersincluding the cera m by c id, P/ocaederus obesos, the sco I yt i d , Xylebo rusinterjectus and the platypodid, Platypus uncinatus, all of which are commonin Kerala.Large borersNilSmall borers25 Grewia tiliaefolia VahlTiliaceaeHete robost rychus aequa /is Wa t . ( B ostryc h i d a e)Sinoxylon anale Les. ( ,# )S. pygmaeorn Les. ( 9, )Mecopus sp. (Curcul ion idae)Round logs as well as converted timber are seriously damaged by thesmall borers recorded here. Of these, the galleries of Heterobostrychusaequalis and Sinoxylon anale family deep into the sapwood. However, thiscannot be considered as a major problem since the sapwood is generallyexcluded in construction work. The weevil, Mecopus sp. was found to tunnelin the sapwood of stored logs in one instance, causing damage.A tenebrionid, Lyphia orientalis was noted to be associated withs. pygmaeum at Vazhachal (Trichur Dist.). This species is known to occur inlogs attacked by the bostrychids and is suspected to be predatory (Beeson,1941).Damage by small borers have great economic significance since theconverted timber is used mainly in construction work, for making heavypacking cases, cabinets, tool handles etc.Nearly 20 species of wood borers have been reported on this timberwhich include the major borers, Ceresium leucosticticum and Stromatiumbarbatum(Cerarnbycidae), (Mathur & Singh, 1960-b). However the borersfound in this survey have not been recorded previously on this species.

Large borersSmall borers2826. Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsd.(Adina cordifolia (Roxb.) Hook. f. ex Brandis)Ru biaceaeXystrocera globoso 0liv (Cerambycidae)SinoxyIon anale Les. (Bostrychidae)The cerambycid, Xystrocera globosa attack freshly felled timber. Thegrubs bore initially in the sapwood and later penetrate into the heartwood.The bostrychid, Sinoxylon anale attack both round logs and converted timber.The major use of this timber is for making bobbins and in this regarddamage by small borers is of great economic importance.About 24 species of borers have been reported to attack this timberwhich include several species of Cerambycidae and Bostrychidae (Bhasin &Roonwal, 1954).27. Hevea brasiliensis (HBK) Muell. Arg.EuphorbiaceaeLarge borersUndetermined speciesSmall borersSinoxylon analeLes.S. conigerum Gerst.Heterobostrychus aequalis Wa t.Minthea rugicollis WI k.Lyctus brunneus (Steph.)Platypus solidus Wlk.Platypus latifinis Wlk.Xyleborus similis Ferr.Phaenornerus sundevalli Boh.Freshly felled timber with bark(Ceram bycidae)(Bostryc h idae)( I, )( I )(Lyctidae),I )(Platypodidae)( ,. )( Scolytidae )(Curculion idae)was observed to be attacked by anundetermined species of Cerambycidae (Fig 13). The borer holes measured1.5 cm in diameter. The galleries at first run radially for some distance in

29the sapwood and then take a longitudinal course. Timber thus affected cannot be used for sawing planks for making packing case boards as the tunnelsleave several holes on the planks.Fiq 13 - Surface of plank of Hevea brasiliensis showing holes madean undetermined cerambycid. The tunnels are about1.5 cm in diameter.byThe bostrychids, Sinoxylon anale, S conigerum and the lyctid,Minthea rugicollis cause major damage to sawn timber (I-1.5 cm thick)used for packing cases (Fig. 14).Planks of greater thickness are occasionally attackedbostrychus aequalis causing serious damage.by Hetero-Round logs with bark are attacked by the small borers, Platypus solidus,P. latifinis ( Platypodidae), Xyleborus similis (Scolytidae) and Phoenomerussundevalli (Curculionidae).The tenebrionid, Palorus corylonoides was collected from logs affectedby X. similis. Members of this genus are known to be predatory on scolytidae(Beeson, 1941 )About 30 species of borers have been recorded to attack this timber(Duffy, 1968; Mathur & Singh. 1960-b). This include the large borer.

30Fig 14 - Hevea brasiliensis, heavily attacked by Sinoxylon anale (left) andshowing infestation by Minthea rugicollis (right).Batocera rufomaculata (Cerambycidae) which is a well known heartwoodborer of saveral tree species In Kerala. Excepting X. similis and P. solidusthe borers listed in the present survey are new records for this timber inKerala.The major use of this timber is in packing case and match industries.Recently this timber has gained considerable importance in commercefollowing its wide availability making it a substitute for other softwoods.

28. Hopea glabra Wight & Arn.(H. wightians Var. glabra Bedd.)Large borersD i p teroca rpaceaeNilSmall borersMinthea rugicollis Wlk. (Lyctidae)Sawn timber was found to be heavily damaged by Minthea rugicollis(Lyctidae). In round logs the attack was confined mostly to the sapwoodportion. This insect is a serious problem for this timber species under storage.Mathur & Singh (1960-b) lists 6 species of beetles attacking thistimber.Large borersNil29. Hopea parviflora Bedd,D ipteroca rpaceae.Small borersXylothrips flavipes Ill. ( B o st ryc h i d a e )Phaenomerus sundevalli Boh. (Curcul ion idae)The sapwood of this timber was found to be damaged by Xylothripsflavipes, although the damage was localised and of minor nature.wood is also attacked by the curcuIionid, Phoenomerus sundevalli.The sap-The timber isused mostly for beams in buildings and shafts in bullock carts and ispractically free from major insect damage.Mathur & Singh (1 960-b) records 13 species of borers attacking thislimber including X. flavipes recorded here.30. Knema attenuata (Hook. f. & Thorns.) Warb.(Myristica attenuata Wall. ex. Hook. f. & Thoms.)Myr isticaceaeLarge borersNilSmaIl borersPlatypus latifinis Wlk. ( PI a ty pod i dae )Phloeosinus tuberculatus Br. (Scol ytidae)

Timber with and without bark are attacked by Platypus latifinis,tunnels penetrate deep i n t the o heartwood.whoseThe galleries of Phloeosinustuberculatus are of a highly branching type being present just beneath the barkand affects only the superficial layers of the sapwood.As the timber is used in veneer and plywood industries, extensivedamage by P. latifinis may result in the production of poor qualityveneers.Only one insect viz., Pterolophia occidentalis (Cerambycidae) which boresin deadwood has so far been reported on this timber (Mathur &Singh,1 960-c).Large borersSmall borers3 1. Lagerstroemia microcarpa Wight(L. lanceolata Wall. ex Clarke)Lyt h ra cea eOlenecamptus bilobus Fb, (C e ra m byc i d a e )Sinoxylon anale Les.(Bostrychidae)S. conigerum Les. ( ,n )Round logs with bark are often attacked bv the large borer,Olenecamptus bilobus. The tunnels run through the sapwood initially andthen penetrate into the heartwood and cause considerable damage to themain bole.The bostrychids, Sinoxylon anale and S.conigerum attack the sapwood.Their galleries are confined to the outer sapwood which is usually discardedwhen the timber is processed.The major use of this timber in Kerala is for making furniture, turneryarticles, agricultural implements, tool handles and heavy packing cases.Literature records (Mathur & Singh, 1960-c) of the borers of thistimber include the cerambycid, Olenecarnptus signaticollis which is closelyrelated to the one collected in the present survey.The beetle, Laemotmetus insignis (Passandridae) was collected fromlogs infested by S. anale and S. conigerum.predatory on bostrychids (Beeson, 1941 ).This species is known to be

3332. Lagerstrsemia reginae Roxb,(L. flos-reginae Retz )Large borersbythraceaeNilSmall borersSinoxylon anale Les.Platypus uncinatus Bland.Sphaerotrypes sp.(Bostrychidae)(Platypodidae)(Scolytidae)The galleries of Sinoxylon anale are confined to the sapwood. Damageby Sphaerotrypes sp. is confined mostly to the superficial layer beneath thebark where several larval galleries radiate from a cylindrical mother gallery.Platypus uncinatus {Platypodidae) was found to cause serious damage tothis timber under prolonged storage. Their galleries often reach as far as theheartwood.Among the borers previously recorded on this timber (Mathur & Singh,1960-c), the cerambycid, Olenecamptus signaticoilis attacking logs with barkand the small borer, Minthea rugicollis (Lyctidae), attacking sawn timber arathe most important. S. anale and Sphaerotrypes sp. are first records on thistimber in Kerala. This timber is used in construction works and for makingheavy packing cases.33. Lophopetalum wightianum Arn.Large borersCelastraceaeNilSmall borersPlatypus andre wesi S trohm.(Platypodidae)Platypus andrewesi was found to bore 'pin-hole' type holes whichHeavily attacked timber becomes unfit forextend deep into the heartwood.commercial use (mainly for pencil industry).No borer has been recorded previously on this timber.

3434. Mangifera indica Linn.AnacardiaceaeLarge borersBatocera rufomaculata De Geer. (Cerambycidae)B. rubus Linn. ( I , )A*.-Fig. 15 - Above: Brush handle made of Mangifera indica damagedSinoxylon anale.Below: Mangifera indica in longitudinal section to show thegalleries made by Batocera rufomaculata.

Small borers35Sinoxylon anale Les.(B ostrych idae)Xylothrips flavipes I I I. ( ,I )Rhizopertha dominica Fb. ( I, )Xyleborus similis Ferr. (Scolytidae)Platypus uncinatus Bland. (Platypod idae)Freshly cut logs with bark are very susceptible to the cerambycids,Batocera rufomaculata and B. rubus. The grubs initially feed between the barkand the sapwood making extensive cavities. Afterwards they penetrate intothe sapwood and the heartwood. The galleries run at first transversely andthen horizontally in the logs and measure 2 to 2.5 cms in diameter.Debarked logs and sawn timber were found heavily attacked by thesmall borers, especially Sinoxylon anale, Xylothrips flavipes (Bostrychidae) andXyleborus similis (Scolytidae). The status of Rhizopertha dominico, a commonstored grain pest as a borer of this timber needs confirmation.uncinatus (Platypodidae) bore deep into the heartwood.PlatypusThe common use of this timber in Kerata is in construction works, formaking brush handles, matches and packing cases, where the small borers,especially S .anale, is a serious problem.A large number of borers have been recorded as pests of this timber(Mathur & Singh, 1960-c). These include about 20 large borers belongingto Cerambycidae and about 50 small borers belonging to Bostrychidae,Scolytidae and Platypodidae.Large borersNilSmall borers35, Mesua nagassarium (Burm. f.) Kosterm.(M. ferrea Auct. non Linn )G uttiferaeCrypholus sp. (Sc ol yt ida e)Since this timber species was scarce in depots during the period ofstudy, very little information could be collected. However, in one instancethe scolytid, Cryphalus sp. was found to breed in the superficial layers ofsapwood.

36Mathur and Singh (1960-c) have listed about 20 species of borers inthis timber. The species collected in this study has not been reportedpreviously.36. Palaquium ellipticum (Dalz.) Engl.(Dichopsis elliptica Benth.)SapotaceaeLarge borersNilSmall borersScolytomimus assamensisSchel . (Scolytidae)Since this timber was scarce in depots during the survey, very littleinformation could be collected.minor damage to the upper layer of sapwood.Scolytomimus assamensis was found to causeMathur & Singh (1959) have listed the borers of this timber.S. assamensis recorded here has not been reported previously on this timber.Large borersNilSmall borers37. Persea macrantha (Nees) Kosterm.(Machilus macrantha Nees)Minthea rugicollis Wlk.Platypus solidus W lk.Lauraceae(Lyctidae)(Platypod idae)Phaenomerus sundevalli Boh. (Curculionidae)These small borers attack the sapwood. The galleries of Platypuspenetrate as far as the centre of the logs and cause serious damage underlong periods of storage. The curculionid, Phaenornerus sundevalli also borevigorously but its damage is mostly confined to the upper sapwood. Sawntimber stored for long periods were found to be damaged by the lyctid.Minthea rugicollis.

37The beetles, Teredolaemus similis (Colydidae) and Trypanaeus (Trypeticus)indicus (Histeridae) were collected from logs affected by P. solidus. Thesespecies are known to be predatory on bark borers (Beeson, 1941).The timber is used in veneer and match making and hence the smallborers are a problem. Only one species has been recorded on this timberpreviously (Mathur & Singh, 1960-c). The species listed here are new records,Large borers38. Polyalthia fragrans (Dalz.) Bedd.AnnonaceaeUndetermined CerambycidaeSmall borersSinoxylon analePlatypus solidusLes.Wlk.( B ostryc h i d a e)( P I a ty pod i d a e)An undetermined cerambycid was found boring galleries, about1.5 cm diameter, extending deep into the heartwood.Fig. 16 - Polyalthia fragrans in longitudinal section to show the tunnels madeby an undetermined cerambycid. Note the pinhole-type holesmade by Platypus solidus.

38The small borer, Platypus solidus, bore very deep into the wood makingextensive tunnels. The attack of Sinoxylon anale is confined mostly to thesapwood. As the major use of this timber is in photo frame and matchindustries the borer damage is often a serious problem.Mathur &Singh (1 960-d) have listed the borers of this timber.39. Syzygium cumini (Linn.) Skeels(Eugenia jambolana Lamk.)MyrtaceaeLarge borersBatocera rufomaculata De GeerSmall borersPlatypus solidus W I k.Sphaerotrypes sp.(Cerambycidae)( P I a typod idae)(Scolytidae)Round logs with bark are attacked by Batocera rufomaculata (Cerambycidae)which make large galleries into the sapwood and heartwood.Minor damage is caused by the small borers Platypus solidus andSphaerotrypes sp. mainly to the superficial layers of sapwood.Duffy (1968) records 4 species of cerambycid borers of this timber inthe British Commonwealth and Eggers (1930) a new species of Xyleborus(Scolytidae) from U. P. (India).Large borers40.Tectona grandis Linn. f.VerbenaceaeXylotrechus quadripes Chevr. (Cerambycidae)X. buqueti Lap. et Gory ( I, )Small borersSinoxylon anale Les.(Bostrychidae)

39The sapwood of freshly felled teak is attacked by the cerambycids,XyIotrechus quadripes and X. buqueti. The galleries are mostly found below thebark and affect only the superficial layers of sapwood. The bostrychid’Sinoxylon anale also bores in the sapwood but its damage is not serious. Theheartwood was not found to be attacked by any insect.Teak wood is usedin construction work, furniture, veneers, turnery articles etc. and in all thesecases the sapwood is excluded.It is interesting to note that although Mathur and Singh (1961)recorded 88 species of borers attacking teak wood in India, in this surveyonly two species were found to attack this.Large borersNilSmall borers41. Terminalia alata Heyne ex. Roth.(T. tomentosa (DC.) Wt. Arn.)Sinoxylon anale Les.Xyleborus similis Ferr.Com bretaceae(Bostrychidae)(Scolytidae)These beetles attack the sapwood only and do not cause anyserious loss.Grubs of an undetermined Lepturinae was collected from the borerholes of X. similis. The nature of its association with the latter is not known.Mathur & Singh (1961) have listed the borers of this timber.Large borersNilSmall borers42. Terminalia bellerica (Caertn.) Roxb.Com bretaceaeSinoxylon anale Les. (Bostrychidae)S. crassum Les. ( ,, )Minthea rugicollis W I k. (Lyctidae)

40The small borers recorded here cause considerable damage to thesapwood by riddling it with numerous borer holes. However, this damagedo not affect its use in construction works and manufacture of heavy packingcases, as the sapwood is often excluded when this timber is processed forthese purposes. Sawn timber was found to be heavily damaged by theI yc t id, M. rugicollis.Over 70 species of borers have been listed by Mathur & Singh (1961)as attacking this timber.43 Tetrameles nudiflora R. Br. ex. Benn.Large borersNilSmall borersPlatypus solidus Wlk.Datiscaceae(Platypodidae)Platypus solidus was found to cause serious damage to freshly felledas well as converted timber used in match, plywood and veneer industries.A beetle, Tarsosrenus univittatus (Cleridae) collected in large numbersfrom the borer holes of P. solidus could probably be predatory on the latter.Mathur & Singh (1961) recorded 12 species of borers on this timberincluding P. solidus.44. Toona ciliata Roemer(Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottler)Large borersNilMeliaceaeSmall borersPagiophloeus longiclavis Marshl.(Curculionidae)This timber was not met with in timber depots during the period Ofstudy and hence detailed observations on borer problem could not be made.The information presented here is based on observations made on dead treespresent in the natural forests at S. Battery. The bole of such trees were foundto be riddled by numerous holes made by the curculionid, Pagiophloeus

longiclavis.41The holes went deep into the sapwood.The major use of thistimber is in furniture and cabinet making, for making plywoods, packingcases, sports goods and musical instruments. Large trees affected by thetunnels of P. longiclavis cannot be used for these purposesAbout 20 species of borers are known to attack this timber in theIndian subregion which include the one recorded above (Bhasin et. a/., 1958).Large borersNilSmall borersSinoxylon analeS. conigerum Les.45. Vateria indica Linn.Les.(V. malabarica BI.)Heterobostrychus aequalis Wat.Xylothrips flavipes II I.Platypus andrewesi Strohm.P. solidus Wlk.Crossotarsus saundersi Chap.Diacavus assamensis Br.Dipterocarpaceae.Scolytomimus assamensis Schl.Sphaerotrypes sp.Xyleborus similis Ferr.X. interjectus Bland.The small borers listed here were mostly found on debarked timberof these, Haterobostrychus aequalis, Xylothrips flavipes (Bostrychidae) andPlatypus solidus (Platypodidae) were found to cause serious damage.Theirtunnels extend for varying distances in the sapwood and affect its use inplywood and packing case industries, for making tool handles, agriculturalimplements etc. X. similis and X. interjectus were noted to attack sick ordying trees.The beetle, Hectarthrum heros (Passandridae) was collected from logsattacked by X. flavipes which could be predatory on the latter.mined Lepturinae was also collected from this timber.An undeter-

42Mathur & Singh (1951) recorded 28 species of borers on Vateria indica.Excepting H. aequalis and X. flavipes, none of the species collected in thepresent survey have been recorded earlier.Large borers46. Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC.(Fagara rhetsa Roxb.)RutaceaeGlenea indiona Thomson (Ceram bycidae)G. homonospila Thomson ( ,9 )Small borersXyleborus similis Ferr.(Scolytidae)X. interjectus B land. ( 9, )The information presented here is based mainly on observations madeon freshly-cut logs stacked at Vazhachal (Trichur Dt.). The branches of livingtrees and freshly cut timber were attacked by the cerambycids belongingto the genus Gleneo.The yellowish grubs attack the stem at different placesand bore longitudinal galleries in the sapwood.Stored logs are attacked by Xyleborus similis and X. interjectus(Scolytidae) and their infestation can render the timber unfit for makingplywoods, veneers and various turnery articles.Only two borers, viz Neocallia pubescens(Cerambycidae) and Xyleborusnoxius (Scolytidae) have been recorded on this timber previously (Mathur &Singh, 1961).

Large borersSmall borersMISCELLANEOUS TIMBERS1. Artocarpus incisus Linn. f.Olenecamptus bilobus Fb. (Ceram bycidae)Xyleborus interjectus Bland,(Scolytidae)The freshly cut timber is very susceptible to attack by the large borerOlenecamptus bilobus. Several grubs of this species were observed to attack thesame log at different places, boring separate galleries. The main gallerynormally runs in a longitudinal plane through the sapwood for some distanceand then enters the heartwood.The scolytid, X. interjectus cause severe damage to debarked timberwith the borer holes running in all directions. The galleries reachupto the heartwood and the adjacent galleries often criss-cross. Timberaffected by this species is useless for any commercial use. The brenthid,Trachelizus politus was noted to breed in rotten logs. This tree is generallyplanted for its fruit and its timber is occasionally used for making packingcases. Mot common in forests.Large borers2. Bambusa spp. and Ochlandra spp.Diboma posticata GahanSmall borersDinoderus minutus Fb.D. ocellaris StephensDinoderus sp.Heterobostrychus aequalis Wat.Rhizopertha dominica Fb.Minthea rugicollis Wlk.Sipolus hypocrita Boh.Sipalinus gigas (Fb.)Myocolondra exorota Boh.(Ceram bycidae)(B ostryc h idae),# )( 3, )( I 9 )( y n )( Lyctidae )(Curcul ionidae)( ,, )( ,I )

45Eucorynus crassicornis Fb.(An thri bidae)Phloeobius alternans (Wied.) ( rt )P. lutosus Jord. ( )Reeds and bamboos are extensively used in Kerala for poles, formaking mats, bask etc, handicrafts and in paper industry. Major damage iscaused by the bostrychids, Dinoderus minutus (Fig. 17) and D. ocellaris. Theyare particularly serious in reeds stored for pulping. Rhizopertha dominica,a common grain pest was found to bleed in bamboo poles.Sipalus hypocrito , Sipalinus gigas (Curculionidae), Phloeoblus a/ternans(Fig. 18) and P. lutosus (Anthribidae) attack freshly cut bamboos.They boretunnels in the internodal as well as nodal regions which often lead to breakageof poles.Heterobostrychus aequalis was found to breed in stored reed in oneinstance, but they were not very prevalent. Myocolandra exarata is notconsidered to cause major damage, although recorded from reeds.The tenebrionid, Palorinus humeralis was collected from bamboo infestedby Dinoderus sp. The predatory beetle, Tillus notatus (Cleridae, was recordedfrom reeds infested by D. minutus.About 25 species of borers have been reported to attack bamboos andreeds in the Indian subcontinent. The weevils, Sipalus hypocrito and Sipalinusgigas have not been recorded previously on bamboos.Large borersNilS ma I1 borers3 Ficus hispida Linn. f.MoraceaeDinoderus sp. (Bostrychidae)Platypus solidus W I k.(Platypodidae)Sphaerotrypes sp.(Scolytidae)This timber was found attacked by the platypodid, Platypus solidus, thegalleries of which reach upto the centre of the logs. Sphaerotrypes sp.(Scolytidae) breed beneath the bark and the galleries are confined to thesuperficial layersof wood. Often the timber is used in making light packingcases.Mathur & Singh (1961) Lists 10 species of borers on this timber.

PART B-CLASSIFICATION, BIOLOGY AND HOST RANGE OF BORERSIn the present survey 53 species of beetles have been collected andidentified. Together they attack 46 species of timber. The beetles belongto the following families under the Order Coleoptera - Cerambycidae,Bostrychidae, Lyctidae, Scolytidae, Platypodidae, Curculionidae andAnthribidae.a layman.Beetles are one of the groups of insects easiest to distinguish even toThe adult beetles can be recognized by their first pair of wingswhich are modified into a thickened structure (elytra) which protect thesecond pair of wings. The members of this group range in size fromminute to large insects and are of varied habits. They may be herbivorous,scavangers or predators.The borers collected in this survey can be assigned to their respectivefamilies by running through the following key using mainly characters ofantennal and leg structure :Key to the families of wood borers.1. Antennae very long, terminal segmentsnot forming a club ...- Antennae relatively shorter, with theterminal joints dilated to form a club2 Antennaeeibowed at the end of a verylong 2nd segment ...- Antennae not elbowed, 2nd segmentnot elongated. ...3.-4.-5.Head produced into a more or less distinctrostrum; legs not fossorial ...Head without a distinct rostrum; Legsfossorial and denticulate ...Tarsi distinctly 5-jointed ..Tarsi apparently 4-jointed -..Antennal club 2-jointed; 1st segment ofabdomen much longer than the others ...._.Cerambycidae234CurculionidaeScolytidae56Lyctidae

47- Antennal club composed of a single large,fan-shaped segment ; 1st abdominalsegment not particularly elongate ... Plotypodidae6. Pronotum distinctly denticulate with theteeth forming more or less transverse rows ... Bostry chidae- Pronotum not distinctly denticulate ... AnthribidoeFAMILY CERAMBYCIDAEMembers of this family are popularly known as the longicorn beetles.They can be easily recognised by their long 11-jointed (rarely 12-jointad)antennae, with the basal segment slightly swollen.The mandibles are stoutand powerful and adapted for boring. The elytra are flat with well markedshoulders and variously coloured.The grubs feed on the inner layers of bark and timber, making galleriesas they grow.The borer holes are circuler ; the galleries are filled withclosely packed wood dust and excreta.segmentation and a broad anterior end.cycle with a long larval period.chamber bored deep in the heartwood.calcareous cocoon before pupationThe grubs are large with prominentMost species have an annual lifePupation generally occurs inside a pupalSome species are known to make aThe following species were collected in the present survey:1.2.34.56.7.89.10.11.1213,14.15.Acalolepta rusticatrix (Fb.)Aconthophorus serroticornis 0liv.Batocera rubus Linn.B. rufomaculata De GeerCelosterna scabrotor Fb.Diboma posticata GahanDihomus cervinus HopeEucommatocera vittata WhiteGlenea homonospila J Thoms.Olenecomptus bilobus Fb.Plocaederus ferrugineus Var. niger GahanP. obesus GahanSerixio sp.Xylotrechus buqueti Lap. et GoryXystrocero globosa 0 I iv.

481. Acalolepta rusticatrix (Fb.)This species was found breedingGmelina arborea (Kottapara).in unhealthy and dead treesofThe beetles measure 1.5 to 1.7 mm in length.Body is dark brown incolour marked with transverse patches of grey streaks on the elytra. Prothoraxbroader than long with a stout triangular spine-like process on either side.Elytra narrowed apically.The grubs feed on the bark and outer layers of the steminitially and subsequently bore into the wood tunnelling longitudinalgalleries. Larval activity also leads to the formation of cankers in the caseof live branches. The biology of this beetle is not known.Brief details of each species are given below, followed by a pictorialkey for the identification of the most common species2. Acanthophorus serraticornis Oliv. (Chart I. 1)This species was collected from Erythrina indica (Loc. Kannara) andFicus hispida (Loc. Peechi).Morus alba (Beeson, 1941 ).It also attacks trees like Mangifera indica andThis large longicorn beetle measures 7.5 to 8 5 cm in length. It has areddish tawny colour. On the head, the mandibles are very conspicuous,each provided with two or three strong teeth. Elytra are dull and coriaceous.On the ventral side, the sternum is pubescent.The larvae are stout, cream-coloured and measure about 7 to 10 cmsin length. It attacks the roots and basal trunk region of large trees subsequentlykilling them. When mature, the larva pupates in an oval cocoon ofearth and wood fibres. They attack living trees as well as freshly felledtimber.3 Batocera rubus Linn.This species was collected from Careya arborea ( Loc. Koothuparamba)and Mangifera indica (Loc. Quilon). In addition it is known to attackArtocarpus heterophyllus. Erythrina indica and Morus alba (Beeson. 1941).The beetle is dark brown in colour and measures 4 to 6 cms in length.The prothorax is large and bears 2 Kidney-shaped yellow patches dorsally.

The scutellum is white.granulations are present at the base.B. rufomaculata.49Each elytron has 4 or more white spots and shinyThis species is often confused with4. Batocera rufomaculata De Geer (Chart 1.4)This species was collected from Bombax ceiba, Ceiba pentandra (Loc.Angamoozhi), Syzygium cumini ( Loc. Peechi) and Mangifera indica (Loc.Calicut).It is highly polyphagous and is known to attack over 30 species Oftimbers including Cocos nucifera, FICUS spp. and Hevea brasiliensis (Beeson, 1941 )The beetle is greyish in colour and measures about 4.5 to 6 cms inlength. The pronotum is expanded and bears 2 kidney-shaped orange-yellowspots. The scutellum is white and the elytra are covered with numeroustubercles and yellowish spots of variable shapes and numbers. They attackliving trees as well as freshly felled timber.The grubs are large and measure from 6 to 9 cm in length Theanterior end is broader than the posterior. The larvae make extensiveexcavations between the bark and wood in the early stages before enteringthe wood. The galleries are stuffed with frass and sawdust.The life cycletakes 6 to 10 months for completion. In Kerala, B. rufomaculata is wellknown as a major pest of living mango and cashew trees.5. Celosterna scabrator Fb. (Chart 1.5)Collected from Eucalyptus grandis (Loc S. Battery).known to attack 9 tree species including Tectona grandis (Beeson, 1941).The beetle is yellowish-brown in colour and measures 3 to 3.5 cmIt generally attacks live trees and the grubs can develop inside cut andstacked timber.The mature larvae measure about 6 cm in length and arecreamy-white in colour. The grubs tunnel into the centre of live trees andwork downwards. Its activity is mainly concentrated in the main roots andlower portion of trunk. The larval life is long and lasts for about 9 months.Life cycle is annual (Beeson, 1941).it is not much important as a borer of stored timber.In addition, it isSince it affects mostly the live trees,6. Diboma posticata Gahan (Chart I. 12)Collected from Bamboo (Loc. Mannuthy). No information is availableon the host range of this beetle. However, 3 related species of Diboma areknown to attack Clerodendron, Strobilonthes and Acacia (Beeson, 1941).

50The beetle is dark brownish measuring about 1 cm in length.elytra are covered with fine hairs and lightly ridged.. The apical half isconspicuously greyish.TheThe grubs were found to breed in stacks of splitbamboos. The entrance hole is round and the galleries are longitudinalstuffed with frass. No information is available on the life history on thisspecies.7. Dihamus cervinus HopeCollected from Gmelina orborea (Loc. Kottapara).attack several tree species in India including Haldina cordifolia,chinensis and Tectona grandis (Beeson, 1941 ).It is also known toAnthocephalusThe beetle is light brown in colour and measures 15 to 20 mm. Theygenerally feed on the bark leading to the formation of cankers. The grubstunnel in the sapwood of live trees boring longitudinal galleries, which subsequentlyresult in the breaking of branches and poles. On one occasion itwas found to girdle live shoots of teak saplings. The grubs generally attacklive branches but the grubs can develop in cut branches and poles as well.The life cycle is annual with long larval period (Beeson, 1941).8. Eucommatocera vittata White (Chart 1.7)Collected from Eucalyptus grandis (Loc. Sultan's Battery).ation is available on the life history and host range of this beetle.No inform-The beetleis slender and measures 1.5 cms in length.longitudinal black and light yellow bands.Body is conspicuously marked bvAntennae fringed with hairs andwith a prominent subapical tuft of long hairs. Beetles were collected fromthe undersurface of loose bark. Damage very insignificant.9. Glenea homonospila J. Thorns. (Chart 1.9)Collected from Bombox ceiba (Loc.Vazhachal).it on Sterculia alata as well.Beeson (1 941) reportsThe beetle measures about 1.5 cms in length and brown in colour.Pronotum with a pair of anterior and a pair of posterior black spots in themiddle and another set of 2 pairs of black spots laterally on either side.Each elytra with an anterior larger and posterior smaller dark patch apically.Antennae blackish.

51The grubs are yellowish, active and measure 3 to 4.5 cm in length.The longitudinal galleries are stuffed with coarse wood dust.10. Olenecamptus bilobus Fb. (Chart I. 10)Collected from Artocarpus hirsuta (Loc. Mundakkayam), A. incisus (Loc.Peechi) and Lagerstroemia microcarpa (Loc. Peechi), Besides A. hirsuta andA. microcarpa it attacks 17 species of timbers including Ficus spp. and Mangiferaindica (Beeson, 1941).The beetle is brown in colour and have white spots. It measures 10to 15 mm in length. It is elongate, slender and possess long antennaewhich are about twice the length of the body. Head and greater part of theprothorax display an orange pubescence and possess a number of ridges.The grubs generally bore in the sapwood in the early instars and subsequentlytunnel into the heartwood. The life cycle is annual.11. Plocaederus ferrugineus Var. niger Gahan (Chart 1.2)Collected from cashew logs (Loc. Puthur, Trichur Dist. ; Thiruvalla).Beeson (1 941 ) and Basu Choudhury (1 969) have summarized the biologyand host range of this species.The beetle is reddish brown in colour and measures about 4 cm inlength. Prothorax has conspicuous transverse striate ridges. Apical end ofelytra truncate with the edges produced into spine-like processes. It attacksboth standing trees and cut timber.The grubs initially feed under barkmaking irregular cavities which are packed with fibrous wood dust As thelarvae mature, the tunnels are continued into the heartwood where itpupate.12, Plocaederus obesus Gahan (Chart I. 3)Collected from Anacardium occidentale (Loc. Calicut). It has beenrecorded from a number of hosts (Beeson 1941).This beetle is reddish brown in colour measuring about 4.5 cm inlength and pubescent. The prothorax bears transverse, crenulate striae.Apical end of elytron is truncate with the inner end produced into a pointedspine- I i ke process.

52It generally attack the heartwood of stored timber. The grubs whichmeasure about 7.5 cm are very active and rapidly penetrate into the deeperlayers of the wood.The pupal cell occurs in the heartwood.13. Serixia spp. (Chart 1.11)Collected from Garcinia indica (Loc. Alwaye). Serixio andamanica isknown to attack Myristica andamanica and S. vateriae is known to attack Vateriaindica (Beeson, 1941 ).The beetle is yellowish in colour and pubescent.It measures 1 cm inlength. The antennae are black and much longer than the body. Elytravillous with brownish hairs and longitudinally pitted. Elytral tips blackin colour.14. Xylotrechus buqueti Lap. et Gory (Chart 1.8)Collected from Tectona grandis (Loc. Nilambur). Besides Teak, it isknown to attack about 12 species of timber (Beeson, 1941).The beetle is fuscous measuring 1.5 cm in length. The antennae areshort. The pronotum has 5 biack spots, of which one is large, median andposterior in position. A pair of smaller lateral spots occur on either sideanteriorly. Each elytron is marked with a spot and 2 semi-oblong yellowmarkings. In addition, the apical end of each elytron is bordered by a shortyellow band. The larvae are yellowish in colour and measure from 3 to4.5 cm in length. Several grubs attack the same log. The galleries occurmostly in the sapwood and are irregular.15. Xystrocera globosa Oliv. (Chart 1.6)Collected from Albizia odoratissima (Loc. Sholayar). In India, it isknown to attack several species of Albizia, Bombax ceiba and Xylia sp.(Beeson, 1941).The beetle is yellowish and measures 1.5 to 3 cm in length. The elytraare testaceous and marked with median longitudinal metallic blue bands.In addition, each elytron bears two dorsal and one lateral longitudinal line.The tunnels are round in outline and run longitudinally in the sapwood.It also penetrate into the heartwood before pupation.It is a major pest of Albizia spp. in India and Ceylon (Beeson, 1941).

IIProthorax with lateral spines.Prothorax smooth and shining, Prothorax with Smaller insects. Prolateralmargin with three spines. a single spine thorax and elytra notII3. Acanthophowi serratieornis5. Celosteanrs scabratorHead with' mandi bleaobliquely directeddirected downwords.f'o r ward sIIi-.----IIProthorax with trans- Prothorak with trans- Larie insects. Prothosaxverse striate ridges. verse prenulate striac. with 2 closel~ c~~osedInsects chocolate brown, Insects greyish brown.linear bean-shaped orangemarks. Each elytron witkt6 whitish spots.2. FVocaedeJerus 3. P. obesusde rrugineus4. Batocera rufoamact~hta

CERAMBYClDAEIIElytra with ldngitudinal darkbands from base to apex.IAntennae noi distinctlypilose, segments somewhatflattened.IIAntennae distinctly piloseparticularly towards apex:segments cylindrical.IPro t h or a x w i thou t 1 a t e r a 1 s p in e s .IIPronotum wi;h 5 spots,one postero-median anda pair of laterals oneither side. Each elytronwith one spot and2 semi-oblong yellowmarkings.IElytra withoutlongitudinal marking.I . IProthorax with darkdot-like marks.IProthoraxunmarked.Pronotum with a pair ofanterior and one posteriorspot on each elytron withan anterior 1arger.and posteriorsmaller dark patchapically.I6. Xystrocera globosa 7. Eucommatocera vittatoI1Fiyrra viI!oBs with k!iytra M rth fine hairs,browiiish hairs and lightly ridged: apicallongitudinally pitted. ha I f grey is h .Elgtrai tips black.I8. Xylotrtchus buquetiIIIPronotum notPronotum transverselytransversely ridgcd. Each elytronridgedI9. Glenea hornonospiiawith a basal broad anda siibapial white spot.11. Serixia sp.12. Diborna posticata10. Olenecamptus hilobur

55FAMILY BOSTRYCHIDAEMembers of this family are popularly known as ‘powder-post’ beetlesbecause their damage results in the production of wood dust which may beobserved coming out of the borer holes. This small group of beetles is ofgreat economic importance to forestry and wood-using industries because ofthe damage they cause to stored as well as finished timber.The beetles are cylindricai in shape and have a general resemblenceto scolytids. However, they can be easily distinguished from the latter bytheir straight antenna with 3-jointed club and the hood-like prothorax bearingrasp-like processes. The femora and tibiae are broad and the inner edge ofthe tibia is usually toothed. The tarsi are 5-jointed. Generally, the males aresmaller than the females and there may be differences in hooks and tuberclesbetween the sexes.legs.The grubs are cream coloured, soft and curved, with 3 pairs of thoracicThey are generally broad at the anterior end, narrowing posteriorly.The mandibles are powerful. Antennae are 4-jointed. Pupae are whitishwith a hood-like prothorax, and the appendages pressed against the body.The female beetles tunnel into the sapwood, parallel to the circumferenceof the log. The eggs are laid in small nitches on the walls of thistunnel. The newly natched larvae start tunnelling longitudinally along thelog. In heavy infestations, the tunnels may follow an irregular course.Pupation generally takes place at the end of the tunnel and the adults boretheir way to the outside.The length of the life cycle may vary. For example.Dinoderus minutus completes a generation in about 2 months, but others arereported to have annual generations.The following species were collected during the present survey :1. Dinoderos bifoveolatus Woll.2. D. minutus Fb.3. D. ocellaris Steph.4, Heterobosotrychus aequalis Wat.5. Rhizopertha dominica Fb.6. Sinoxylon anale Les.7. S. atratum Les.8. S. conigerum Gerst.

569. S. crassum Les.10. S. pygmaeum Les.11 Xylothrips flavipes IllA pictorial key for identification of the above species ischart IIBrief details of each species are given below.given in1. Dinoderus bifoveolatus Woll. (Chart 11.1 1)Collected from Albizia procera (Loc. Baliapattam), Bombaxsp. (Loc.Mundakkayam) and Ficus hispida (Loc, Kothamangalam). It is also knownto attack Artocarpus hirsutus, Bombax ceiba, Kydia calycina and Mangifera indico(Beeson, 1941 ).This is a cosmopolitan species, common in India.It is brown in colour measuring 2.5 to 3.5 mm in length.Pronotumis strongly convex and bifoveolate near base. The anterior marginal teethon the pronotum are small, contiguous at bases and form a ridge. Lateralmargins of elytra with long hairs and densely puncturate at the declivity.2. Dinoderus minutus Fb. (Chart 11.10)Collected from Albizia falcataria ( Loc. Vazhachal), Bombax ceibaMundakkayamj, Toona ciliataplaces in Kerala).(Loc.(Loc. Peechi) and in reed and bamboo (differentIn addition to this, it is known to attack Albizia stipulata,Erythrina indica, Melio azedarach, Spondias mangifera, Tectona grandis, and Vateriaindico (Beeson, 1941).Primarily a pest of stored reeds and bamboos, it is distributed throughoutthe Indian sub-region and is commonly known as the ‘Ghoon borer‘ ofbamboo. It is a small beetle measuring 2.5 to 3.5 mm and dark brown incolourThe pronotum is widest at the basal third and the anterior marginbeset with pointed teeth, of which the middle ones are the most prominentand distinctly separated. Elytra are covered with short hairs which aredensest on the declivity.3. Dinoderus ocellaris Steph. (Chart II 9)Collected from Bambusa sp., Ochlandra travancorica and 0. scriptoria ( LOC.Velloor and S. Battery).Its normal host is reed and bamboo but also occurs

in timbers of Grewia tiliaefolia, Ficus bengalensis etc. ,(Beeson 1941).57common in India and in the Oriental region (Mathur, 1955).It isThe beetle is reddish brown in colour and measures 3 to 4 mm inlength. It is very active and readily establishes in fresh stacks of reed andbamboo. The basal segments of the antennae are clothed with cluster oflong hairs. Pronotum is hemispherical and widest near the middle. Anteriormarginal teeth are large and distinctshort hairs.Elytra puncturate and covered with4. Heterobostrychus aequalis Wat. (Chart 11.9)Collected from Bombax ceiba (Loc. Perincherry), bamboos ( Loc. Peechi),Calophyllum elatum (Loc. Kolayadu), Grewia tiliaefofia (Loc. Vazhachal), Heveabrasiliensis (Loc. Ollur), and Vateria indica (Loc. Alwaye). It is highly polypha-gous and attacks about 36 species of timbers in India (Beeson, 1941).This is a common borer of packing cases, tea chests, veneers etc.beetles are dark brown in colour and measure about 6 - 10 mm in length.Prothorax is rough and hood-like.TheThe elytra exhibit dsnse puncturationswhich ate arranged in striae; the apical margin is turned upwards and isprovided with marginal tubercles.In males, the inner tubercles are hook-like.The larva is whitish, curved and slightly narrower posteriorly. Itmeasures about 11 mm in length. A full description of the larva has beengiven by Gardner (1933).Life cycle is annual.5. Rhizopertha dominiea Fb. (Chart 11.8)Collected from Albizia odoratissima (Loc Trichur) and bamboo(Loc. Wadakkancherry).timber (Beeson, 1941).It has been collected from about 15 species ofThe adult beetles are brown in colour, almost cylindrical and measureabout 3.5 mm in length The pronotum is roughly rectangular and tuberculate.The elytra are elongate and puncturate.R . dominica is a common pest of stored grain and flour. Although ithas been reared on Artocarpus hirsutus by Beeson (1941) the exact natureof damage has not been established.6. Sinoxylon anale Les. (Chart I I. 1)Collected from A/bizia odoratissima ( Loc. Peechi) Anacardiumoccidentale ( Loc. Calicut), Dalbergia latifolia (Loc. Trichur) Hevea brasiliensis

58(Loc. Ollur) and Lagerstroemia reginae (Loc. Angamoozhi). It has anunusually wide host range.(Beeson 1941 ) .Its recorded hosts include about 68 tree speciesS. anale is perhaps one of the most common bostrychid borers. Thebeetle is dark brown or black in colour and measures 4 to 5.5 mm in length.Head is puncturate, with anterior tuberculations. Prothorax is convex andpuncturate, bearing a transverse band of rasp-like structures dorsally. It has4 teeth-like processes at the antero-lateral margin. Elytra is trunctate, wideat the apical region and bear two sharp teeth on the apical declivity.The larva is white, curved and measures 4 to 5.5 mm in length. It hasa prominent dark line along the back. The gallery system consists of a shortentrance tunnel which runs radially through the bark into the sapwood. Itthen turns and takes a course parallel to the circumference of the log. Thelarval galleries are longitudinal andconfined to the sapwood.7. Sinoxylon atratum Les. (Chart 11.5)Collected from Albizia falcataria (Loc. Vazhachal) and Bombax ceiba( Loc. Mundakkayam). Its recorded hosts include, Artocarpus hirsutus, Casuarinaequisetifolia, Emblica officianalis, Hopea parviflora. Lagerstroemia microcarpa,philippensis. Pongamia pinnata,1941).MallotusSantalum album and Terminalia paniculata (Beeson,The beetle is dark brown in colour and measures 3 to 4 rnm.puncturate and finely rugose.anterior part rugose bearing rasp- like structures.Head isProthorax is transversely ridged. with theLaterally, 4 teeth- likestructures are present, of which the innermost three are the longest. Thelarva has been described by Gardner (1933).8. Sinoxylon conigerum Gerst. (Chart 11. 3)Collected from Erythrina indica (Loc. Mavoor), Hevea brasiliensis ( Loc.Cannanore) and Lagerstroemia microcarpa (Loc. Ranni). Also noted on drytapioca stems at Peechi. In addition, it accacks Bombax ceiba, Grewia tiliaefolia,Haldina cordifolia, Holoptelea integrifolia and Mangifera indica (Beeson, 1941 )).The beetle is dark brown in colour and measures 3.5 mrn.Pronotumis finely rugose posteriorly ; anterior margin with four lateral teeth, of whichthe inner three are large and of equal size. Elytra with two stout teeth onthe declivity, placed at a distance from the suture.

I ~~~~~Elytra with a pair of teeth along themiddle of the inner edge of thedeclivity.IApical end of ely/ra with a distinctcarina along the outer edge of thedeclivity.IIIIChart 11 -KXY TOIIApical end of elytra withno distinct carina.ICarina complete Carina confined toall along thethe ventral part ofdeclivity. the declivity. Apical end ofelytra with 2prominent teethThe teethon the inner edgeon the innerof-the posterioredge of thedeclivity anddeclivitywith butt-like feeble ;processeslateral buttlaterallyforminglike processesslight ridgesand ridges3. Sinoxylon conigerum in front. absent.iCarina slightlydeflected medioanteriorly.ICarina not deflected. 4. Sinoxylon crassum 5. Sinoxylon erratum, 1. Sinoxylon analei mm2. Sinoxylon pygmaeurn

BOSTBYCHiDAEISides of apical declivity bearingprocesses or thickenings.Elytra with no teeth along the middleof the inner edge of the apicaldeclivity.ISides of apical decliviby smooth,without processes.IThree buttllikeprocesses alongthe sides of theapical declivity ofeach elytron notforming ridges infront.IApical end of elytrawith 2 stout teeth-likeprocesses directedupwards and twobutt-like processes atthe declivity of eachelytron forming ridgesin front.6. Xylothrips flavipes7. HeterobostrychusoequalisI 1Apical end ofpronotum flatbearing crenulateridges. Elytronelongate andnarrow.Prcsnotum hemisphericaland ofuniform breadth.Antennae clothedwith long hairsat the base.Pronoturn widest inthe middle andnarrowed apically,marginal teeth notcontinuous leavinga wide spacebetween the twomedian teeth.Sides of pronoturngradually narrowedfrom base to apex,teeth forming acrenulate ridgealong the anteriormargin.8. Rhizoperthodominlco9. Dlnoderus ocelloris10. Dinoderus minutus1 1. Dinoderusbifoveolatus

9. Sinoxylon crassum Les. (Chart II. 4)Collected from Albizia odoratissima( Loc. Kadakkamon) and Terminaliabelerica (Loc. Kadakkamon). it is polyphagous and is known to attack about37 species of timber (Beeson, 1941).The beetle is elongate, black or dark brownish in cotour and measures5 to 6 mm in length. Antennae and legs are reddiah brown. Prothorax isrounded anteriorly. Tubercles are present on its anterior portion and thereare three teeth-like structures present on either side of the anterior margin.Apical portion of elytra is depressed and truncate. Striae are present asthickenings on the elytra which become prominent apically where theyproject in two elongate medial sutural teeth. Laterally, another set of short,stout teeth are also present. Declivity is rugose and puncturate.S. crassum generally attacks the sapwood, completely reducing it todust. Under favourable conditions, as many as four generations occur in anyear (Beeson, 1941).10. Sinoxylon pygmaeum Les. (Chart II . 2)Collected from Grewia tiliaefolia (Loc. Vazhachal). Its recorded hostsinclude, Albizia procera, Dalbergia latifolia. Ficus bengalensis. Mallotus philippensis.Mangifera indica, Santalum album and Jerminalia bellerica (Beeson, 1941).The beetle is blackish brown in colour and measure 2 to 2.5 mm.Elytra short and truncate. The declivity is abrupt and well defined. Thisspecies is active throughout the year (Beeson, 1941 ).11 Xylothrips flavipes III. (Chart II .6)Collected from Albizia odoratissima ( Loc. Peechi), Artocarpus hirsutus(Loc. Quilon), Alstonia scholaris (Loc. Kannoth), Bombax ceiba (Loc,Baliapatam), Hopea parviflora (Loc. Kadakkamon) and Vateria indica (Loc.Baliapatam). It is known to attack about 29 species of timber includingAnacardium occidentale and Hevea brasiliensis (Beeson, 1941 ).The beetle is chocolate brown in colour and measure 6.5 to 7 mm inlength. The prothorax is rounded and furnished with rasp-like processes.Elytra are finely puncturate and the declivity is furnished with 3 marginaltubercles, of which the median one is the longest.X. flavipes is widespread throughout India. Upto three generationshave been noted in N. India (Beeson. 1941).

62FAMILY LYCTIDAELyctidae are often included along with Bostrychidae under the popularterm 'powder post' beetles.They are generally flat beetles in comparisonwith bostrychids. Most lyctids have more or less comparable habits butare of variable economic importance. The grubs generally attack convertedtimber, especially planks, and reduce it to flour-like powder. Many of themare pests in saw mills, wood-using industries and wooden fittings inbuildings. The adult beetles are 2 to 6 mm long, flattened and light brownto black in colour. Some species are covered with scales.The following lyctids were collected in the present survey :1. Lyctus brunneus (Stephens)2. Minthea rugicollis WalkerA pictorial key for identification of the above species is given inchart Ill. Brief details of each species are given below.1. Lyctus brunneus (Stephens) (Chart III .2)Collected from Hevea brosiliensis(Loc. Ollur).It is known 10 attack about 17 timber species which include, Albiziaodoratissima. Artocarpus heterophyllus, Bombax ceiba, Erythrina indica and Mangiferaindica (Beeson, 1941 ).The beetle is dark brown in colour and measures 2 to 3.5 mm.Pronotum is rectangular, puncturate with spinules bordering the antero-lateralmargin. Elytra faintly striate and pubescent.It is widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions, andoften attack packing cases and plywoods. The life cycle is annual, withadults emerging in April-June :Beeson, 1941).2. Minthea rugicollis Walker (Chart III.1)Collected from Hevea brasiliensis ( Loc. Ollur) and Tetrameles nudiflora(Loc. Ollur). It is highly polyphagous and attacks about 33 species oftimber in India which include Erythrina indica, Mangifera indica, and Bombaxceiba (Beeson, 1941 ) .M. rugicollis is a flat dark brown beetle measuring about 2 to 3.5 mm

63in length. The body is covered with white scales, those on the sides beingmore pronounced and appearing as a fringe.M. rugicollls is widely distributed in the tropics. In India it is commonestin regions of high rainfall. It is a common pest in plywood, match andpacking-case industries.The larva has been described by Gardner (1933). The larval tunnel islong and irregular and follows the grain of the wood. In plywood, thetunnels are usually made in between two panels in contact. Life cycle iscompleted in about 4 months and is continuous.ChartIII - KEY TO LYCTIDAEDorsal vesiture consisting ofthickened pale hairs of clavateappearance forming conspicuousrows on the pronotumand elytra.Dorsal vestiture consistingof serially arranged puncturations.Pronotum smoothor puncturate.1. Minthea rugicollis 2. Lyctus brunneus

FAMILY PLATYPODIDAEMembers of this family are popularly known as 'pin-hole' borers sincethe holes made by these beetles resemble holes made with a pin. The beetlesare elongate, with lateral sides parallel. The head is large and exserted. Thelegs are stout and the tarsi 5-jointed.The grubs are white or cream coloured, elongate and seldom curved.Head is prominent. The body is faintly corrugated and tapers posteriorly.The members of this family are exclusively wood borers. The adultfemale lays eggs inside tunnels made in the wood. At first the tunnel runsradially into the sapwood and then turns to a side. In timbers withoutheartwood, the full depth of several inches is bored in a sinuous course.From the main tunnel, secondary tunnels branch off and run for variabledistances. The gallery system of several platypodids have been described indetail by Beeson (1941).The tunnels are kept free of frass and the beetles have the habit offrequently coming upto the orifice and protruding the head.The following species were collected in the present survey.1. Crossotorsus indicus Strohm.2. C. nilgiricus Beeson3. C. soundersi Chapuis4. Diocovus assamensis Browne5. Platypus andrewesi Strohm.6. P. cavus Strohm.7. P. latifinis Walker8. P. solidus Walker9. P. uncinatus BlandfordA pictorial key for identification of the above species is given inChart IV. Brief details of each species are given below.1. Crossotarsus indicus Strohm. (Chart IV-2)Collected from Erythrina indica ( Loc. Mavoor).The beetle is dark brown in colour measuring about 5 mm in length.Head is round with a more or less flat anterior end. Pronotum smooth with

65a groove-like median line and produced into a median point posteriorly.Elytra provided with parallel striae and each elytron produced into three spinelikeprocesses at the posterior end.No information is available on the biology and host range of thisspecies.2. C. nilgiricus Bees. (Chart IV-3)Collected from Canorium strictum (Loc. Chalakudy). It has beenrecorded previously from Butea monosperma and Poinciana elata (Beeson, 1941 )The beetle is brown in colour and measures 3.5 to 4.2 mm in length.Anterior part of elytra is smooth when compared with the faintly ridgedposterior part. Hind end of elytra with a broad V-shaped notch. Smallteeth-like processes are present in the notch.No information is available on the biology and host range3. C. saundersi Chap. (Chart IV-1)This species was collected from Voteria indica (Loc. Baliapattam)beetle is brown in colour and measures 3 to 4 mm in length. Anterior endof head is flat. Elytra with an arrow-head-shaped notch at the posterior end.C. saundersi is a well known borer of freshly felled timbers, widelydistributed in India. It is highly polyphagous and attacks about 81 speciesof timbers including Albizia odoratissima, Bombax ceiba, Dalbergia latifolia andTectono grondis. The tunnels run longitudinally in the wood for a shortdistance and divide into short branches. The life cycle is completed in2 to 3 months under suitable conditions (Beeson, 1941).4. Diacavus assamensis Browne (Chart IV .8)Collected from Vateria indica (Loc. Alwaye).The beetle is brownish in colour and measures 2.5 to 3 mm in length.Anterior end of head is flat. Elytra with the apical end darker in shade.roof-like, not covering the hind part of abdomen. Apicai end of each elytroncleft into 5 short lobes.No information is available on the biology and host range.The

665. Platypus andrewesi Strohm.Collected from Lophopetalum wightianum( Loc. Angamoozhi).The beetle is dark brown in colour and measures about 6 mm in length.Elytra broad at the anterior end and with longitudinal parallel ridges.No information is available on the biology and host range.6. P. cavus Strohm. (Chart IV 6)Collected from Bombax ceiba (Loc. Meppady). It is also reported toattack Gluta trovoncorica, Mallotus alba and Tetrameles nudiflora (Schedl, 1962).The beetle is brown in colour measuring 4 to 5 mm in length. Anteriorend of head is slightly depressed. Elytra smooth; apical end flat with thecorners produced into conical projections7. P. latifiois Wlk. (Chart IV.5)Collected from Bombax ceiba (Loc. Ollur), Ceiba pentandra (Loc.Kuppady), Hevea brasiliensis (Loc. Ollur), Mangifera indica (Cannanore) andKnema attenuata (Loc. Angamoozhi). It is also known to attack 7 otherspecies of timbers in Ceylon and southern India.The beetle is dark brown in colour and measure about 4 mm in length.Anterior end of the head is flat. Apical end of elytra truncate with a slightdepression. The ventro- lateral edges produced into pointed processes.No information is available on the biology and host range.8. P. solidus Wlk. (Chart IV.7)Collected from Aglaia elaeognoidea, Ailanthus triphysa (Loc. Ollur). Ceibapentandra ( Loc. Kolayadu), Elaeocarpus tuberculatus. Syzygium cumini (Loc.Kulathupuzha), Hevea brasiliensis, Machilus macrantha (Loc. Kannoth) andMangifera indica (Loc. Kundara). This is highly polyphagous and attacks over30 species of timbers in India (Beeson, 1941. Schedl, 1962).The beetle is dark brown in colour and measures 4 to 5 mm in length.Elytra with parallel striae which are more prominent posteriorly. The apicalend or each elytron is produced into a narrow blunt point which is slightlynotched near the mid-dorsal line

IApical declivity of elytraforming a ridge.I-Elytral ti; declivousI-IApical declivity of elytranot forming a ridge.Apical end with rows ofspinules.Chart IV - KEY TO1I. Crossotarsus saundersi1 IApical declivity of elytra narrow withlongitudinal ridges running forwards.IApical end ofelytra withspine-like processes alongthe ventral margin.Longitudinal ridges conti.nuous upto the basal end.IIApical ridge of elytravery narrow. Longitudinalridges confinedto the posteriorhalf only.Apical declivity-broader with nolongitudinal ridges.2. Crossotarsus indlcus 3. Crossotarsus nilgiricus.IRidge with theventrolatral cornersproduced intopointed processes.Ridge not Producedinto such processesbut only conical.I4. Platypus uricinatusIRidge more or less complete Ridge more or less hemiandcircular with a crescent- spherical with a largelike hollow ventrally.hollow ventrally.II5. Pla pus lotifinis 6. Platypus covus%

PZ ATY POD1 DAEITip of elytra narrowedand pointed.IElytral tip not declivousITip of elytra broad andtruncate, each being fringedwith 5 short lobes.I7. Platypus solidus 8. Diacavus assamensis

The grubs are cream coloured and measure about 5 mm in length.Life cycle is completed in 2 to 2 1 /2months (Beeson, 1941).9. P. uncinatus Bland. (Chart IV.4)Collected from Lagerstroemia reginae (Loc. Konni) and Mangifera indica(Loc. Kuppady) Besides these, it is known to attack 23 species of timberswhich include Bombax ceiba and Gmelina arborea (Beeson, 1941).The beetle is brownish in colour and measure 3 to 3.5 mm in length.Apical end of elytra is truncate with the corners produced into long pointedprocesses ventrally.No information is available on the biology.FAMILY SCOLYTI DAEbeetles.Members of this family are popularly known as bark borers or ambrosiaThey generally bore through the bark and most species cultivatesome fungi (ambrosia) in their galleries on which the larvae are reportedto feed.Most scolytid beetles are cylindricalin shape, but some are spherical,The head is small, often concealed beneath the prothorax which forms ahood over it as in several bostrychids, The antennae are short, elbowed andclubbed. The legs are short, with flattened femora and toothed tibiae, Thestructure of the legs is suited for use as a shovel to remove wood dust fromthe tunnels. The elbowed antennae and the apparently 4-jointed tarsidistinguish this family from Bostrychidae in which the antennae are straightand the tarsi 5-jointed,The grubs are small, soft, white or cream coloured.convex dorsally and flat ventrally inmost bark feeding species.They are usuallyIn speciesthat tunnel in solid wood the larvae are more or less straight. They are devoidof legs and crinkled.A detailed description of the gallery system is given by Beeson (1941).The following species were collected during the present survey.

4.2.3.45.6.7.6.9.10.11.12.Cryphalus carpophagusCryphalussp.(Horning)Hypocryphalus rnangiferae (Steh )Hypothenernus birrnanusPhloeosinus tuberculatusPhloeosinussp.(Eichh.)Brow neScolytomimus assamensis SchedlSphaerotrypes sp,Xyleborus fornicatus E ic h h .X. interjectus Bland.X. similis Ferr.Xyleborus sp.Chart V gives a pictorial key for identification of the most common ofthe above species. Brief details of each species are given below:1. Cryphalus carpophagus (Homing)Collected from Hevea brasiliensis( Loc. Peechi)Specimens were damaged and so no description could be made forthis species. Information on biology and host range is also not available forthis species.2. Cryphalus sp.Collected from Mesua ferrea( Loc. Vazhachal).Specimens were damaged and so no description could be made forthis species.3. Hypocryphalus mangiferae (Steb )Collected from Mangifera indica( Loc. Kuppady)This is a well known bark borer of M. indica, widely distributedthroughout the world (Beeson, 1941). The beetle is dark brown in colourand measures 2 to 3 mm in length.4. Hypothenernus birrnanus (Eichh.)Collected from Albizia falcataria( Loc. Vazhachal).The beetle is dark brown in colour and measures about 2 mm in length.

71Pronotum globular, conical in front, covered with spinules and possessa median raised point. Elytra puncturate, pubescent and with traces ofpara I lel striations.No information is available on the biology and host range.5. Phloeosinus tuberculatus Browne (Chart V.7)Collected from Knema attenuata(Loc. Alwaye).The beetle is dark brown measuring 2.5 mm in length. Pronotumwith the front margin broadly oval in outline. Anterior end of head with acircular patch of short fine hairs. Elytra with parallel prominent striae andbearing small tubercles. Covered with sparse hairs especially at thedeclivity.6. Phloeosinus sp. (Chart V.6)This species was collected from Knema attenuata (Loc. Alwaye). Thebeetle is yellowish brown and measures 4 mm in length. Front portion ofhead is depressed: a patch of fine, short hairs present in the depression.Pronotum smooth, narrow anterioriy and broad posteriorly. Elytra puncturatewith parallel striations and small apical tubercles.7. Scolytomimus assamensis Schl. (Chart V. 1)Collected from Palaquium ellipticum ( Loc. Alwaye)The beetle is yellowish brown and measures 2.5 mm in length Pronotumis globular and covered with smal! tubercles which are prominent atthe anterior end. Elytra more or less flat, without forming a sharp declivity.The elytra possess parallel ridges between which are present small, linearlyarranged projections.The grubs are stout, short and curved.The gallery system consists ofa tubular mother gallery with several larval galleries budding off from it(Fig. 19).8. Sphaerotrgpes sp. (Chart V.5)Collected from Syzygium cumini (Eugenia jambolana)( Loc. Kolanadu)Lagerstroemia speciosa (Loc. Angamoozhi) and Vateria indica (Loc. Alwaye).

.--,?.Ti.-3Fig. 19I1 -..-Gallery system of Scolytomimus assamensis as seen on the surface ofthe bark stripped from a log of Palaquium ellipticum.The beetle is hemispherical in shape measuring 3 mm in length. Pronotumcoarse, but without tubercles .tytra with parallel raised ridges andcovered with short pointed processesThe larva is stout, broadly oval and C M colo The gallerysystem is simple consisting of a mother gallery with several larval galloriesradiating from it (Fig. 20).9. Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh. (Chart V.3)Collected from Gmelina arborea (Loc. Kottappara). It is well known asthe shot-hole borer of tea plants.tea, it attacks a number of plants,including Acacia decurrens, Albiziosp. and Erythrina sp. (Muraleedharanand Kandaswamy, 1981)The beetle is fuscous in colour, measuring about 1.5 mm in length.The prothorax IS much broader than long and have nearly parallel sides.Elytra are obliquely declivous.The life cycle takes about 6 weeks for completion (Beeson, 1941).

IPro n o t u m h o od -1 i ke , t u bercul a t esomewhat hiding the head ODdorsal view.Elytra with paraileilongitudinal ridge\.Elytra withoutridges,f ~Scolytomimws assamensisI 1Elytra brick--red, with asubapical row of spinuleslat erafly.Elytra fuwows.+ i mrncF2. Xyleborus sirnilis II-LProaolum with a medianFaiyed area.Pronoturn somewhattransversely striate withno conspicuous raisedarea,13 IXyleborus fornicatus4. Xyleborus interjecrus

-IPronot urn subcyl indrical,smooth or puncturate.IBeetles 'hemispherical.Pronotum with a medianlongitudinal ridge.IBeetles c1Angate.Pronotum smooth.15.1Sphaerotrypes sp. 'IBeetles largkr andfulvous.IIBeetles hailer andferrugineus.-imm6. Phloeosinus sp.7. Phloeosinus tuberculatus

75pee tea(stem of Sphaerotrypes sp. as seen on the surface of barkom a log of Vateria indica10. X. interjectus Bland. (Chart V.4)Collected from Artocarpus heterophyllus (Loc. Ollur), Bombax ceiba (Loc.Angamoozhi), Ceiba pentandra ( Loc. Meppady) and Dysoxylum malabaricum(Loc. Mavoor).The beetle is dark brown in colour and measures 3 to 3.5 mm.declivous apically, puncturate and sparsely hairy.ElytraThis is a large scolytid borer commonly found attacking soft as wellas hard timbers throughout Kerala.II. X. similis Ferr (Chart V.2)Collected from Artocorpus heterophyllus ( Loc. Mundakkayam), Dysoxy/ummalabaricum (Loc. Areekkakavu). Erythrinaindica ( Loc. Mavoor) and Hevea

76brasiliensis (Loc. Ollur).It is highly polyphagousplants in the Indian subregion (Beeson, 1941).attacking over 50 hostThe beetle is brown in colour measuring 2 to 3 mm in length. Itappears similar to X. interjectus but is smaller. Elytra puncturate and coveredwith sparse hairs. Each elytron with a median row of short spines laterally.12. Xyleborus sp.Collected from Erythrina indica (Loc. Vazhachal). The beetle isbrownish in colour measuring 1.5 mm in length.Pronotum is broader thanlong, bearing sparse hairs. Elytra oval at the apical end, punctorate andwith sparse hairs. Basal half of elytra flat, horizontal, thereafter declivous.FAMILY CURCULIONIDAEMembers of this family constitute a large assemblage of small tomedium sized beetles characterised by the presence of a well developedrostrum which is directed downwards and long elbowed antennae withdistal club. A large number of species of this family are timber borers. Thetimber boring species are mostly brown or dull black in colour. In severalspecies sexual dimorphism is evident, the males being smaller than thefemales.The grubs are soft, whitish, curved and devoid of thoracic legs. Inseveral species head is yellow or brown in colour. Pupation occurs in mostcases inside a hard cocoon.The following species were collected in the present survey.1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.Aclees birmonus Fst.Cossonus divisus Mischl.Mecistocerus mollis Fst.Mecopus sp.Myocolandra exarata Boh.Pagiophloeus longiclavis Marshl.Phoenomerus sundeva//i Boh.Sipalinus gigas (F.)Sipalus hypocrita Boh.

Chart VI gives a pictorial key for identification of the most .commonspecies. Brief description of all the species are given below.1. Aclees birmanus Fst. (Chart VI-4)Coliected from Artocarpus heterophyllus ( Loc. Koothuparamba). Pre-viously it has been recorded on Ficus religiosa (Beeson, 1941).length.The beetle is chocolate brown in colour and measures 1.5 cm inPronotum and elytra are covered with puncturations and sparse hairs.In the legs, the femora are swollen and possess an apical notch.larva has been described by Gardner (1938).2. Cossonus divisus Mischl.Collected from Artocarpus heterophyllus (Loc. Kuppady).TheRelated speciesof this genus have been reported from Ficus and Artocarpus spp. (Beeson, 1941 ).this species.Specimens were damaged and so no descriptions could be made forNo information is available on the life cycle of this species.In therelated species 6. binodosus, life cycle takes one to three years for completion(Beeson, 1941 ).3. Mecistocerus mollis Fst. (Chart VI-7)Collected from Erythrina indica (Loc. Vazhachal). It is also known toattack Bombax ceiba (Beeson, 1941 j.The beetle is grey in colour with brown patches measuring about1.5 cm in length. Elytra bears a median tubercle close to the scutellum ;prominent grey and dark transverse patches are present dorsally.4, Mecopus sp. (Chart VI-I)Collected from Artocarpus heterophyllus (Loc Kuppady) and Grewiatiliaefolia(Loc Peechi).Specific determination could not be made due to dearth ofgood specimens. M. bispinosus has been recorded from Artocarpus and Ficusspecies in India (Beeson, 1941).The beetle is black in colour and covered with scalesit measuresabout 10 mm in length. The rostrum is very long nearly as long as thebody. Eyes confluent and median in position Antennae long and arise

from the rostrum at a short distance from the apex. Elytra striate, streaks ofwhite scales being present at different places on the elytra and other parts ofthe body. A pair of anteriorly directed prosternal spines are present just infront of the first pair of legs.part of the 2nd and 3rd femora.A notch and a spine are present on the distat5. Myocalandra exarata Boh. (Chart VI.2)Collected from Ochlandra spp. (Loc. Velloor). This beetle is knownto be a borer of green bamboos, especially in those attacked by other borers.it is a black weevil measuring 15 mm in length. Rostrum short,basally broad with the antennae arising from the base. Pronotum coveredwith tubercles. On the elytra, the tubercles are arranged in parallel rows.Two pairs of yellowish spots are also present dorsally. the anterior pair beingsmaller than the posterior.6. Pagiophloeus longiclavis Marshl, (Chart VI .3)Collected from Toona ciliata (Loc. Sultan's Battery). It is also knownto o attack Swietenia macrophylla (Beeson, 1941 ).The beetle is dark brown in colour and measures 12 to 15 mm inlength. The elytra are puncturate and covered with brown scales. The grubsmeasure 16 to 18 mm in length.and feed on bark and sapwood.months (Beeson, 1941).They attack both standing and felled treesLife cycle is completed in about twoRostrum is short, with short denticles at the apex.long basal segment and arise from the apex of the rostrum.stout tubercles and a median carina anteriorly.7. Phaenomerus sundevalli Boh (Chart VI.2)Antenna with aPronotum withCollected from Aglaia elaeognoidea (Loc. Kulathupuzha), Hopea parviflora(Loc Kadakkarnon) and Machilus macrantha (Loc. Kulathupuzha).to the above, it is known to attack 25 species of timbers includingindica and Terminalia spp. (Beeson, 1941 ) .In additionMangiferaThe beetle is slender in build, dark brown in colour and measures 3.5mm in length A median carina is present on the pronotum. Pronotum longand measures about 3/4th of the length of the elytra. Elytra with parallel

Eyes confli~ent and median. Rostrumvery long ; prosternum with 2 forwardlydirected spines.I1. Meropus sp.

~ _CURCULIONIDAE.Elytra puncturate, shorterthan the abdomen leavingits tip exposed.II-Rosthm more or lessstraight.IIElytra completelycovers the abdomen.-1Eyes separateI1IRostrum distinctlyarched.IIPronotum IarLe, nearly Prondtum short-314th of the elytra. Body er, with patchescovered with parallellrows of scales.of grey hairs.12. Myocalandro exarataI-Pronotum and elytrastrongly tuberculate, thelatter with a slightlateral swelling.5. Phaenomerus sundeval liIPronotum not tbberculate.ElYtra Puncturate.with parallel striaeand with a slight subapicalraised point.3. Pagiop hloeus long iclavis4. Aclees birmanusBody strongly 'tuberculate.Rostrum dorsally coveredwith scales at the base.Antennal insertiontowards its base.Body pitted, not tuber&-late. Rostra1 base notcovered with scales.Antennal insertion at aboutthe middle of the rostrum.6. Sipalinus gigas 7. Mecistoceru; mollis '_ ~

striae and fringed with short ash-coloured glistening hairs. In the legs,the femora are very long and apically broadened.The grubs are reported to have an unusually long larval period(Beeson, 1941 ).8. Sipalinus gigas (F.) (Chart V1.6)Collected from Bambusa spp., (Loc. Peechi).The beetle is greyish brown in colour and measures 2 cm in length.Rostrum is long, curved downwards and flattened at the tip, bearing twoshort teeth-like processes at the tip. Apex of the antennal club pubescent.Pronotum covered with stout tubercles. Elytra puncturate with prominentstriae. Dorsal surface of elytra marked with prominent black bands whichhave yellow spots at intervals.The grubs bore in the nodes and internodes and pupate within a hard[calcareous) cocoon. On emergence the beetles eat its way out through acircular hole.9. Sipalus hypocrita Boh.Collected from Bambusa spp. (Loc. Vazhachal). It is also known toattack about 16 species of timber in India, including Bombax ceiba and Tectonagrandis (Beeson, 1941).The beetle measures 1 to 1.5 cm in length and is greyish brown incolour. Three longitudinal bands of black spots are present on the elytrainterrupted at intervals by yellow patches.Nature of damage is similar to that of Sipalinus gigas.FAMILY A NTHRIBIDAEThis is a comparatively small family. Most species are borers oftimber, seeds or fruits.The beetles are dull coloured and bear a superficial resemblance toCerambycidae on the one hand and to Curculionidae on the other in thepossession of long 1 l-jointed antennae and well developed rostrum. Theantennae, however differ from those of the Cerambycidae in being clubbed.The grubs are white. curved and wrinkled. The immature stages ofseveral species have been described by Gardner (1932). The grubs tunnel inthe bark and the sapwood. The galleries run more or less parallel to the

82long axis of the logs. When about to pupate, the grubs make a hard pupalCell composed of wood fibres and silk. The life cycle is generally annual.The following species were collected in the present survey :1 . Eucorynus crassicornis Fb2. Phloeobius alternans (Wied.)3. P. lutosus Jord.4. Sintor sp.Brief descriptions of all the species are given below and chart VII givesa pictorial key for the identification of species.1. Eucorynus crassicornis Fb. (Chart VII.2)Collected from Bambusa sp. (Loc. Peechi). It has a wide host rangeand Beeson (1941) lists 20 host timbers of this beetle.The beetle is dark greyish in colour measuring 1 cm in length andmarked with transverse black bands. Rostrum is short and not very prominent.Antennae are short and ends in a prominent elliptical club.Segments of antennal club of uniform width. The larvae bore longitudinalgalleries. Before pupation it constructs a transverse pupal cell of a calcareoustexture.2. Phloeobius alternans (Wied.) (Chart VII.4)Collected from Bambusa spp. (Loc. Thiruvalla). It also attacks Erythrinalithosperma and Xylia sp. (Beeson, 1941). The beetle is dark grey colouredand measures about 2 cm in lengthLongitudinally arranged black specksare present on the body. Rostrum short. Antennal segments of uniformcolouration; antennal club pointed apically, with the joints produced angul-arly on one side.the nodal region.The galleries are longitudinal but curved and irregular inPupation occurs in a hard cocoon of wood dust and silknear the nodes. The beetle on hatching bore their way out by means ofcircular exit holes.3. Phloeobius lutosus Jord. (Chart VII.3)Collected from Barnbusa sp. (Loc. Peechi). It generally occurs in drybamboos.The beetle is dark grey in colour measuring about 12 mm in length.Black linearly arranged specks present as in P. alternansRostrum is short.

-Rostrum Idng, promincntand broadened apically.Chart VII - KEY TO1. Sintor Sp.

ANTHRlBIDAEI-Segment8 of ;he antennalclub with the joints apicallyproduced angularly onone side.Rostrdm short and notprominent.IIISegments of antennal clubwith the jointsof uniformwidth.IAntenna1 segments withthe tips whitish;apical segments elongate.1I2. Eusorynus crossicornisIAntenna1 SegmentR ofuniform coloura t iou;apical segments not verymuch elongate.3. Phloeobius lutosus 4. Phloeobius olternons

85The tips of antennal segments are whitish, the apical segments being elon-gate. The club is long and pointed apically; the joints being apicallyproduced on one side.The mode of attack is similar to that of P. alternans.4. Sintor Sp. (Chart VII.1)Collected from Artocarpus heterophyllus (Loc. Koothuparamba).The beetle is darkgreyish in colour and measures 8 mm and coveredwith grey hairs, Rostrum is long, prominent and broadened apically. Antennaelong, arising at a short distance from the apex of the rostrum andending in an elliptical club widest at the base with a transverse sinuous ridgebordering the posterior margin. Body uniformly covered with short shinygrey hairs.The grubs bore in the sapwood and the galleries generally occur inthe sapwood, often stuffed with powdery wood dust.

IV. CONCLUSIONSThe present study has shown that in Kerala over 50 species OfColeopterous borers attack various timber species stored in depots. Mostof the important borers belong to the families Cerambycidae, Bostrychidae,Lyctidae, Platypodidae, Scolytidae and Curculionidae. Some species of thefamilies Anthribidae and Brenthidae were also encountered.The cerambycid borers, which are large insects generally attack freshlyfelled timber with intact bark. They cause considerable damage by boringextensive tunnels in the sapwood as well as hardwood, The followingspecies were found to suffer major damage by these borers in Kerala duringthe present survey:- (1) Anacardium occidentale. (2) Artocarpus heterophyllus,(3) Bombax ceiba, (4) Hevea brasiliensis, (5) Mangifera indica and (6)Polyalthia fragrans.The small borers generally attack the sapwood. Low density timbersareseverely attacked and converted into powder in a short period. In highdensity timbers, generally, only the sapwood layer is attacked which is oftendiscarded when the timber is processed and hence, the damage caused isnegligible.The problem of insect caused deterioration of timber is mainly felt inlow density timbers, when they are stored in large quantities for variousindustrial purposes or when finished products made out of such timbers arestored. Such timbers which were found to be heavily damaged by insects inKerala, during the present survey are - Ailanthus triphysa, Anacardium occi-dentale, Bombax ceiba, Canarium strictum, Erythrina indica, Hevea brasiliensis,Lophopetalum wightianum, Mangifera indica, Polyalthia fragrans, Tetrameles nudifloraand Vateria indica.Reeds (Ochlandra spp.) stored in large quantities for indus-trial purposes were also found to be susceptible to damage by one of thesmall borers. Various finished products made from these timbers such asmatch veneers, plywoods, Photo frames, bobbins, tool-handles, and packingcase boards were also found to be tery susceptible to insect damage understorage conditions.

87Although more than 50 species of borers have been collected in thepresent survey, most damage is caused by a small fraction of these borers.These species are highly polyphagous and posses potentiality to assumemajor pest status. These are - Batocero rufomaculata (Cerambycidae); Sinoxylonanale, Dinoderus spp., Heterobostrychus oequalis (Bostrychidae); Minthea rugicollis,Lyctus brunneus (Lyctidae) ; Xyleborus sirnilis, X. interjectus (Scolytidae) ; Platypuslotifinis and P. solidus (Platypodidae).This survey was mainly intended to collect information on the identityof insect borers of various timber species and their general status as pests.became obvious that control measures are necessary in the storage yards oftimber-using industries. Although some industries are presently doing someprophylactic treatments such as insecticidal sprays or immersion in water,it is necessary to make a fuller assessment of the damage and to standardiseappropriate prophylactic measures for various pest situations.It

V. REFERENCESABRAHAM. C. C., JOY, P. J , & ABI CHEERAN, (1978). Occurrence ofRemphan Sp. (Coleoptera : Cerambycidae, Prioninae) as a pestof live Erythrina indica Standards in pepper plantings. Journal ofPlantation Crops, 6 (2) : 97-98.BASU CHOUDHURY, J.S , (1969). The cashew stem borer. SouthernForest Rangers’ College Magazine, 45: 51 -59.BEESON, C. F. C., (1941). The Ecology and Control of Forest Insects ofIndia and the adjoining countries. Government of India, 767 Pp.BHASIN, G. D., & ROONWAL, M. L.. (1954). A list of insect pests offorest plants in India and the adjacent countries (arrangedalphabetically according to plant genera and species for the useof Forest Officers). Part I. General introduction, by M. L. Roonwal.Part 11. List of insect pests of plant Genera (A). IndianForest Bulletin, 171(1), 93 Pp.BHASIN, G. D. & ROONWAL, M. L., (1958). A list of insect pests offorest plants of India and the adjacent countries (arrangedalphabetically according to plant genera and species, for the useof Forest Officers). List of insect pests of plant genera ‘A’(appendix only) ‘6’ (Baccaurea te Baxus) and ‘C’ (In part) (Cadobato Citrus). Indian Forest Bulletin, 171(2), 126 Pp.BROWNE, F. G., (1968). Pests and Diseases of Forest Plantation trees.Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1130 Pp.DUFFY, E. A. J.. (1968). A monograph of the immature stages of orientaltimber beetles (Cerambycidae), British Museum (N. H.),London, 434 Pp.EGGERS, HANS, (1930). Neue Xyleborus - arten (Col. Scolytidae) ausIndien. Indian forest Records, XIV (IX) : 177 - 208.GARDNER, J C M., (1932). Immature stagesof Indian Coleoptera (10)Anthribidae. indian Forest Records, XVI IXI), 8 Pp.GARDNER, J. C. M , (1933). immature stages of Indian Coleoptera (13)Bostrychidae lndian Forest Records, XVlll (IX), 19 Pp.

89GARONER, J. C. M., (1938). lmmature stages of Indian Coleoptera (24)Curculionidae. lndian Forest Records, Ent., Ill (12j Pp. 234-235-Fig. 42.MATHUR, R. N., (1955). Identification of Indian Lyctidae and Dinoderusspecies. Indian Forest Bulletin No. 187, 8 Pp.MATHUR, R. N., & SINGH, BALWANT, (1959). A list of insect pests Offorest plants in India and the adjacent countries (arrangedalphabetically according to the plant Genera and Species, forthe use of Forest Officers) Part 5-list of insect pests of plantGenera 'D' to 'F' (Dactyloclenium to Funtumia). Indian Forest Bulletin,771(4), 165 Pp.MATHUR, R N., &SINGH, BALWANT, (1960 a). A list of insect pests offorest plants in India and the adjacent countries (arranged alphabeticallvaccording to the Plant Genera and Species, for the useof Forest Officers) Part 4-list of insect pests of plant Genera'C' (concluded) (Clausena to Cytisus). indian Forest Bulletin, 171 (3)45 Pp.MATHUR, R. N , & SINGH, BALWANT, (1960 b) A list of insect pests offorest plants in India and the adjacent countries (arrangedalphabetically according to the plant Genera and Species, forthe use of Forest Officers) Part 5- list of insect pests of plantgenera 'G' to 'K'. Indian Forest Bulletin, 172(5), 91 PpMATHUR, R. N., & SINGH, BALWANT, (1960c). A list of insect pestsofforest Plants in India and the adjacent countries (arrangedalphabetically according to the plant Genera and Species, forthe use of Forest Officers) Part 7-list of insect pests of plantGenera 'L' to '0'. Indian Forest Bulletin, 171 (6), 148 Pp.MATHUR, R. N , & SINGH, BALWANT, (1960d). A list of insect pests ofForest Plants in India and the adjacent countries; Part 8- 'P' to'R' Poederia to Rumex. lndian Forest Bulletin. 171(8). 130 Pp.MATHUR, R. N., & SINGH, BALWANT, (1961). A list of insect pests offorest plants in India and the adjacent countries (arranged alphabeticallyacccrding to the plant Genera and Species, for the useof Forest Officers) Part 10. List of insect pests of plant genera'T' to 'Z'. lndian Forast Bulletin, 17l (9), 116 Pp.MATHUR, R. N. , CHATTERJEE, P. N., & THAPA, R. S., (1965). Prophylacticefficacy of various insecticides in the protection of freshly

90felled timbers in storage against insect borers and subterraneantermites. Indian Forest Bulletin, 241 (2), 23 Pp.MURALEEDHARAN, N., & KAMDASAMY, C., (1981). A new host recordfor the shot hole borer of tea. Entomon, 6(2) : 127.ROONWAL, M. L., CHATTERJEE, P. N., &THAPA, R. S., (1960). Experimentson fresh-water seasoning (water immersion) of threespecies of Indian timbers to provide anti-insect protection.Indian Forest Records, 10(1), 41 Pp.ROONWAL, M. L., CHATTERJEE, P. N., & THAPA, R. S., (1962). Entamologicalinvestigations on the high-girdling of salai (Boswelliaserrata Roxb.) in Sillari forests (Madhya Pradesh, India). IndianForest Records /0(7), 162 Pp.STEBBING, E. P., (1910). A note on the preservation of bamboos from thaattacks of the bamboo beetle or *Shot borer'. Forest PamphletNo. 15, 18 Pp.STEBBING, E P., (1914). Indian Forest lnsects of Economic Importance -Coleoptera. Government of India, 648 Pp.SCHEDL, KARL, E., (1962) Indian Bark and Timber Beetles - IV. IndianForest Records, 10(8) : 163-1 69.

Acalolepta rusticatrix (Fb.) -Acanthophorus serroticornis 0 liv.Aclees birrnonus Fst. -Batocera rubus Linn. -B. rufomaculata De Geer -Celosterna scabrotor Fb. -Cis sp. -Cossonus canarensis Fst. -C. divisus Mischl. -Crossotorsus indicus Strohm. -C. niigiricus Bees. -C. soundersi Chap. -Cryphalus carpophog us (Horn in g )Cryphalus sp. -Diacavus assamensis Browne -Diboma posticata Gah. -Dihamus cervinus Hope -Dinoderus bifoveolotus Wo I J. -D. minutus Fb -D ocellaris Steph. -Eucommatocera vittata White -Eucorynus crassicornis Fb. --Glenea homonospila J. T horns.G. indiana Thoms. -Hectarthrum heros (Fb,) -Heterobostrychus aequalis 'Wat.91INDEX TO INSECTS48487748494988776465657070654950565656508250424157Hypocryphalus mangiferae (Steb.) 70Hypothenemus birmanus (Eichh.) 70Laemotmetus insignis Grouvelle 32Lyctus brunneus (Stephens) - 62Lyphia orientalis Blair. -- 27Mecistocervs concretus Fst. - 8M fluctiger Fst. - 8M. mollis Fst. - 77Mecopus sp. - 77Minthea rugicollis Wlk. - 62Myocalandra exarota Boh. - 78Olenecamptus bilobus Fb - 51Orfilaia truncata (Boh.) - 11Pagiophloeus longiclavis Marshl- 78Palorinus humeralis (Gebien) 45Palorus cerylonoides (Pascoe) -Phoenomerus sundevolli Boh. -Phloeobius alternans (Wied.) -P. lutosus Jord. -Phloeosinus tuberculatus BrownePhloeosinus sp. -Platypus andrewesi Strohm. -P. cavus Strohm. -P. latifinis Wlk. -P. solidus Wlk. -P. uncinatus Bland. -Plocaederus ferrugineus Var . .niger GahanP. obesus Gahan -Rhizopertha dominica Fb. -Sagro femorota Drury -Scolytomimus assomensis Sc hl.Serixia sp. -Silesis indicus Fleut -297882827171666666666951515723715225Sinoxylon anale Les. - 57S. atratum Les - 58S. conigerum Gerst. - 58S. crassum Les. - 61S. pygmaeum Les, - 61Sintor sp. - 85Sipalinus gigas Fb.81Sipalus hypocrita Boh.81Sphoerotrypes sp. - 71Tarsostenus univittatus (Rossi ) 40Teredolaemus similis Sharp. - 23, 37Tillus notatus Klug 45Trochelizus politus Senna 11, 14, 23Trypanoeus (Trypeticus)indicusLewis 37Xyleborus fornicatus Eichh. - 72X interjectus Bland. - 75X. similis Ferr. - 75Xyleborus sp. - 76Xylothrips flavipes II I . - 61Xylotrechus buqueti Lap. et Gory 52Xystrocera globosa Oliv. - 52

92INDEX TO TIMBER SPECIESAdina cordifolia see Haldinacordifolia -Aglaia elaeagnoidea (A. Juss.) Benth.A. roxburghiana see A. elaeagnoideaAilanthus malabarica see A. triphysaA. triphysa (Dennst.) Alston -Albizia falcata see A. falcataria -A. falcataria (Linn.) Fosb. -A. odorotissima (Linn. f ) Benth.-A. procera (Roxb.) Benth. -Alstonia scholaris (Li nn .) R. Br.Anacardium occidentale Linn. -Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk. -A. hirsutus Lamk. -A. incisus Linn. -A. integrifolia see A. heterophyllusBambusa Spp. -Bombax ceiba Linn. -Calophyllum elatum Bedd. -C. tomentosum see C. elatum -Canarium strictum Roxb. -Careya arborea Roxb. -Cassia fistula Linn. -Cedrela toona see Toona ciliata -Ceiba pentandra (Linn ) Gaertn -Dalbergia lanceolaria Linn. f. -D. latifolia Rosb. -Dichopsis elliptica ste Palaquiumellipticum-Dipterocarpus indicus Bedd. -Dysoxylum malabaricum Bedd.ex Hiern. -Elaeocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. -Eriodendron anfractuosum seeCeiba pentandra-Erythrina indica Lamk. -Eucalyptus Spp. -Eugenia jambolana see Syzygiumcumini -Fagara rhetsa see Syzygium cuminiFicus hispida Linn.f. -287777888101010I1124311431316161617174018201936212223182324384245Garcinia indica Chois. - 25Gmelina arborea Roxb. 25Grewia tiliaefolia Vahl. - 27Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsd. 28Hevea brasiliensis (HBK)Muell. Arg. - 28Hopea glabra Wight & Arn. - 31H. wightiana Var. glabra seeH. glabra 31H. parviflora Bedd. - 31Knema attenuata (Hook. f. & .Thorns.) Warb. - 31Lagerstroemia lanceolata seeL. microcarpa - 32L. microcarpa Wight - 32L. flosreginae see L.reginae - 33L. reginae Roxb. - 33Lophopetalum wightianum Arn. - 33Machilus macrantha see Perseamacrentha 36Mangifera indica Linn - 34Mesua ferrea see M. nagassarium - 35M. nagassariurn (Burm. f.) Kosterm. 35Myrrstica attenuata see Knemaattenuata - 31Ochlandra Spp. - 43Palaquium ellipticum (Dalz.) Engl. 36Persea macrantha (Nees) Kosterm. 36Polyalthia fragrans (Dalz.) Bedd. 37Salmalia malabarica see Bombax ceiba 13Syzygium cumini (Linn.) Skeels - 38Tectona grandis Linn. f. - 38Terminalia alata Heyne ex Roth. 39T. bellerica (Gaertn.) Roxb. - 39T. tomentosa see T. alata - 39Tetrameles nudiflora R. Br. exBenn. - 40Toona ciliata Roemer - 40Vateria indica Linn. - 41V. malabarica see V. indica - 41Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC. 42

a survey of beetles damaging commercially impotrtant ... - Icrisat.ac.in

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?