Trymalitis Margarias Meyrick, A Micro-Lepidopteran Sapodilla Seed Borer: An Invasive Or Indigenous Species?

Abstract

The present study reports the pathway of the likelihood entry, establishment and spread of a micro-lepidopteran known as sapodilla seed borer, Trymalitis margarias Meyrick (Tortricidae: Lepidoptera) into India from Sri Lanka as an accidental introduction through infested fruits of sapodilla, Manilkara achras (Mill.). The historic data on species description along with environmental compatibility/ host plant availability of origin and destination habitats, survivability of T. margarias larvae during transport were considered as criterion to evaluate the likelihood of pathway. In view of the extensive sapodilla cultivation and internal fruit shipment, the potential of this invasive species to spread within the country is discussed in detail.