Lepidopterans found aggressively devouring mango panicles: A paradigm shift in pest status

In the recent past, mango inflorescences in India are being heavily attacked by multiple species of polyphagous caterpillars belonging to families viz., Crambidae, Nolidae, Lymantridae, Tortricidae, Eutellidae, Hespiiridae, Pyralidae, Noctuidae etc. (Order: Lepidoptera). These caterpillars are causing severe damage to mango flowers than conventional pests like hoppers. The possible reasons for this observed change in the pest dynamics on mango flowers have been discussed in detail in this report.