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Caterpillars of three major geometrid species such as, Hyposidra talaca, H. infixaria and Buzura suppressaria frequently attack tea plantations of sub-Himalayan plains of Terai and the Dooars region. The feeding activity of these pests often leads to heavy defoliation of tea bushes almost throughout the year. A clear understanding of the morphological diversity of these sympatric species is necessary at all life stages in order to contemplate their management strategies. Field observations indicated that amongst the loopers there is a dominance of H. talaca and H. infixaria at different seasons compared to the third species, B. suppressaria. Although a clear morphological difference of the adult moths of three concerned species was evident along with their distinct morphometry and weights, the larval instars of the congeners of Hyposidra were difficult to distinguish. However, a significant difference was observed in their development periods, which were 55 days for H. talaca and 48 days for H. infixaria. A clear distinction of the concerned species based on morphometrics and weight of pupa was also evident. In recent past, loopers have assumed the status of severe pest of tea in the sub- Himalayan plains mainly due to invasion of the two species of Hyposidra that have joined B. suppressaria in sharing the tea leaves as their ideal host. The newer pest species of Hyposidra otherwise known to occur on forest and fruit plants have of late turned to be a major defoliator of tea.
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