First report of coconut case caterpillar, Mahasena corbetti Tams (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) from India

Coconut case caterpillar or Bagworm, Mahasena corbetti Tams (Lepidoptera: Psychidae), is a destructive polyphagus pest in Southeast Asia and some islands of the Pacific. Considering the rapid expansion of the distribution range of M. corbetti, this species is included in the list of dangerous pests in plant quarantine act of Malaysia. M. corbetti is also considered as a pest of quarantine importance in many countries. During 2015–2016, severe incidence of M. corbetti was observed for the first time on arecanut (Areca catechu L.) plants in Sohbar and adjoining villages of East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state (India). This is the first report on occurrence of M. corbetti in India. We are reporting the infestation, natural field parasitism and description of life stages of M. corbetti infesting arecanut plants in India. Considering the taxonomic complexities in identification and destructive nature of bagworms, we have also developed DNA barcode for this species by sequencing standard barcoding region of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. This report would serve as a preliminary foundation for reliable diagnosis of M. corbetti and also for creating awareness among the arecanut growers and other related functionaries in India and nearby countries.