Discovery of potential natural enemy complex of the major defoliator, Gazalina chrysolopha (Kollar) (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) in India

Gazalina chrysolopha (Kollar) (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) is a major defoliator of Rhododendron arboreum and Alnus nepalensis in the Himalayan region. Recent outbreaks in Singalila National Park, India, prompted an intensive investigation of its natural enemies. The study reports the discovery of an egg parasitoid, Telenomus alticolus Debnath and Rajmohana sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), and the first record of an association of the scuttle fly Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae) with the pupal stage of G. chrysolopha, suggesting a potential parasitoid–host relationship. In addition, three entomopathogenic fungi, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sacchari, and F. babinda, were identified as natural pathogens infecting the larval stages. Morphological and molecular analyses were conducted to characterise T. alticolus and the associated fungi. Collectively, these fungal and insect taxa represent new records of natural enemies of G. chrysolopha and highlight the diversity of parasitoids and pathogens that may contribute to the ecological regulation of this defoliator in Himalayan Forest ecosystems.