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Analyzing the Diverse Insect Pests Affecting Cucurbit Crops in

Nandurbar District, Maharashtra (Family: Cucurbitaceae)"

Dr. Miss Sarika Piran Fulpagare

Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, PSGVPMS ASC College Shahada Dist-Nandurbar-425409

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.1411000095

Received: 07 December 2025; Accepted: 14 December 2025; Published: 22 December 2025

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to document the diversity, distribution, and feeding habits of insect pests associated with the

crop. A total of 17 insect species from seven orders (Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera,

Orthoptera, and Thysanoptera) were recorded, with Coleoptera (41.18%) and Hemiptera (29.41%) being the

most dominant. The family Chrysomelidae had the highest representation with four species, while other families

had one species each.

The pests were categorized by feeding behavior: defoliators (11 species, 64.71%), sap-suckers (5 species,

29.41%), and tissue feeders (1 species, 5.88%). Chewing insects, especially coleopteran defoliators, were the

main cause of crop damage, while sap-sucking pests caused indirect damage through nutrient depletion and

pathogen transmission.

These findings provide a baseline for understanding pest dynamics, which is essential for developing effective

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to reduce crop losses while highlighting the need for regular

monitoring and management of both defoliators and sap-sucking pests.

Keywords: Insect pests, Defoliators, Sap-suckers, Tissue feeders, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Integrated Pest

Management (IPM)

INTRODUCTION

The Cucurbitaceae family is commonly referred to as cucurbits and encompasses a diverse group of vegetables,

including cucumber, bitter gourd, squash, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, and snake gourd. Cucumbers are often

enjoyed in salads and pickles, while various squash and gourds find their place in cooking. Watermelon and

muskmelon serve as delightful desserts, and wax gourd can be transformed into jam and biscuits. Globally, there

are approximately 120 genera and 1,000 species of cucurbits, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions,

especially in Africa, tropical America, and Southeast Asia. Vietnam hosts 23 genera and 53 species. Part of the

Cucurbitaceae family, cucurbits thrive in various climates and are mainly cultivated in spring, summer, and

autumn. They contribute significantly to global diets, with India accounting for about 5.6% of worldwide

production. As trailing vine crops, they are vital in agriculture, particularly during the summer and rainy seasons.

A study conducted in 2023-24 assessed the impact of insect pests on Cucurbitaceae crops and identified natural

enemies that could aid future biocontrol efforts. It analyzes insect pests affecting cucurbit crops in Nandurbar

District, Maharashtra, with a focus on vegetables such as cucumber, bitter gourd, and squash. This region likely

hosts various cucurbit species that face threats from pests such as cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and aphids,

which can adversely affect crop yield and quality.

Understanding pest dynamics is crucial for effectively managing cucurbit crops. This study focuses on

identifying pest species and assessing their impact on cultivation. Some insects, such as certain lepidopterans,

can be pests as larvae but act as pollinators as adults. Additionally, insects often labeled as pests, like wasps

and bees, can help control other pest populations and assist in pollination.

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MATERIAL AND METHOD: STUDY AREA

Nandurbar city is situated in the northwest corner of the state of Maharashtra, India, within the Khandesh region.

Its coordinates are 21.37°N and 74.25°E, with an elevation of 210 meters (688 feet). The city is situated near the

borders of Gujarat to the northwest, Madhya Pradesh to the east, Dhule district to the southeast, and Nashik

district to the southwest. Nandurbar is characterized by its hilly terrain, dry climate, and tropical temperatures,

as noted in the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa Agromet Advisory Bulletin for the Nandurbar district.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

An extensive survey was carried out in the study area during Pre-Monsoon, Monsoon, and Post-Monsoon in the

year 2023-2024. A total of 21 insect specimens were collected from the field during the study period. (Table. 1)

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typical taxonomic structure in such surveys. Table 2. Order-wise distribution of insect pests Table 3. Family-

wise distribution of insect pests Table 4. Feeding nature-wise distribution of insect pests Table.5 Natural

Enemies of pests of cucurbits have also been depicted below.

PESTS OF CUCURBITS;

Table. 1: Typical Taxonomic Structure in these Surveys

Category

Count

Total taxa observed

Pest species

Natural enemies

Orders represented

Families represented

Table 2. Order-wise distribution of insect pests

The investigation identified 17 insect pest species across seven orders: Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera,

Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, and Thysanoptera (see Table 1). Coleoptera was the most dominant,

with seven species (41.18%), followed by Hemiptera with five species (29.41%). The other orders had one

species each (5.88%).

The prevalence of coleopteran pests is attributed to their broad host range and adaptability to various agro-

climatic conditions, a phenomenon noted in previous studies as well, which emphasizes their significant

economic impact on crops.

Table 2. Order-wise distribution of insect pests

S. No.

Order

Number of species

Percentage (%)

Coleoptera

41.18

Hemiptera

29.41

Diptera

5.88

Hymenoptera

5.88

Lepidoptera

5.88

Orthoptera

5.88

Thysanoptera

5.88

Total

100.00

Table 2. Family-wise distribution of insect pests

A family-wise analysis revealed that the recorded insect pests belonged to 14 different families (see Table 2).

The family Chrysomelidae was the most dominant, with four species contributing significantly to pest

infestations. In contrast, all other families were represented by just one species each. The prevalence of

Chrysomelidae can be attributed to their leaf-feeding habits and their ability to reproduce quickly under favorable

environmental conditions.

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Table 2. Family-wise distribution of insect pests

S. No.

Order

Family

Number of species

Coleoptera

Chrysomelidae

Coleoptera

Meloidae

Coleoptera

Coccinellidae

Coleoptera

Curculionidae

Diptera

Tephritidae

Hymenoptera

Formicidae

Hemiptera

Aphididae

Hemiptera

Dinodoridae

Hemiptera

Aleyrodidae

Hemiptera

Pentatomidae

Hemiptera

Coreidae

Lepidoptera

Pyralidae

Orthoptera

Pyrgomorphidae

Thysanoptera

Thripidae

Table 3. Species-wise list of insect pests with feeding nature

Species documentation highlighted diverse feeding habits among insect pests (Table 3). Coleopteran species

like Aulacophora foveicollis, Epilachna vigintioctopunctata, and Myllocerus sp. caused severe defoliation,

leading to significant loss of photosynthetic area. The dipteran pest Bactrocera cucurbitae damaged plant

tissues, particularly affecting fruit development. Sap-sucking pests from the order Hemiptera, including Aphis

gossypii, Bemisia tabaci, Nezara viridula, and Cletus bipunctatus, extract sap, resulting in chlorosis, stunted

growth, and potential transmission of plant pathogens.

Table 3. Species-wise list of insect pests with feeding nature

S. No.

Order

Family

Species

Nature of damage

Coleoptera

Chrysomelidae

Aulacophora foveicollis

Defoliator

Coleoptera

Chrysomelidae

Aulacophora sp.

Defoliator

Coleoptera

Chrysomelidae

Charidotella sp.

Defoliator

Coleoptera

Chrysomelidae

Diabrotica undecimpunctata

Defoliator

Coleoptera

Meloidae

Mylabris phalerata

Defoliator

Coleoptera

Coccinellidae

Epilachna vigintioctopunctata

Defoliator

Coleoptera

Curculionidae

Myllocerus sp.

Defoliator

Diptera

Tephritidae

Bactrocera cucurbitae

Tissue feeder

Hymenoptera

Formicidae

Camponotus compressus

Defoliator

Hemiptera

Aphididae

Aphis gossypii

Sap sucker

Hemiptera

Dinodoridae

Coridius chinensis

Sap sucker

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Hemiptera

Aleyrodidae

Bemisia tabaci

Sap sucker

Hemiptera

Pentatomidae

Nezara viridula

Sap sucker

Hemiptera

Coreidae

Cletus bipunctatus

Sap sucker

Lepidoptera

Pyralidae

Diaphania indica

Tissue feeder & defoliator

Orthoptera

Pyrgomorphidae

Atractomorpha sp.

Defoliator

Thysanoptera

Thripidae

Thrips palmi

Sap sucker

Table 4. Feeding nature-wise distribution of insect pests

Based on feeding behaviour, the insect pests were categorized into defoliators, sap suckers, and tissue

feeders (Table 4). Defoliators constituted the major group, accounting for 11 species (64.71%), followed

by sap suckers with five species (29.41%), while tissue feeders were represented by one species (5.88%).

The predominance of defoliators suggests that foliage damage is the primary constraint affecting crop growth

in the study area. The presence of multiple sap-sucking pests also indicates the potential risk of indirect

damage through nutrient depletion and disease transmission.

Table 4. Feeding nature-wise distribution of insect pests

Table 5: Natural Enemies of pests of cucurbits.

SR.NO

ORDER

SPP

COELOPTERA

Coccinella septumpunctata

Cheilomenes sexmaculata

Coccinella transversalis

MENTODEA

Mantis religiosa

Note-

• Percentages calculated based on total species observed (n = 17).

• Diaphania indica, showing a dual feeding habit, was considered under defoliators for statistical

analysis

Overall Pest Scenario

The pest complex identified in this study clearly shows that both chewing and sucking insect pests are major

contributors to crop damage. Notably, the higher proportion of defoliators underscores the urgent need for

targeted management strategies aimed at leaf-feeding insects. Implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

S. No.

Feeding nature

Number of species

Percentage (%)

Defoliators

64.71

Sap suckers

29.41

Tissue feeders

5.88

Total

100.00

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approaches that combine cultural, biological, and strategic chemical control measures will effectively reduce

pest incidence and significantly minimize yield losses.

Aulacophora foveicollis (Fig. 4) Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae). A key foliar pest that feeds on leaves, buds, and

flowers, causing defoliation and reduced plant vigor. They have been recorded on pumpkin, bottle gourd, and

sponge gourd (Vinutha et al. 2017; Sharma et al. 2016).

Aulacophora indica sp (Fig. 5)(Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae). A. foveicollis is a defoliator that reduces the crop's

photosynthetic activity, and its grubs attack the roots for nourishment. (Neha Jamwal* and Sanjay Bhatia 2018)

Aulacophora abdominalis (Fig. 6)(Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae)Common name: Leaf Beetle. These beetles feed

on the foliage and flowers of host plants, often clustering on a single leaf while leaving others untouched. Heavy

infestations can destroy seedlings and severely impact young plants. They feed between veins, cutting out

circular discs to eat, while larvae tunnel into roots, causing swelling, discoloration, and potential plant death.

(Neha Jamwal* and Sanjay Bhatia 2018)

Charidotella sp. (Fig. 7 ) Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae)A species of Golden tortoise beetle was found feeding on

the leaves and soft stems of sponge gourd, pumpkin, and bitter gourd. They defoliate the plants by chewing away

the leaves, which leads to significant damage.

Mylabris Phalerata (Fig. 8)(Coleoptera; Meloidae).

The Banded Blister Beetle is a serious pest of cucurbits, especially during the rainy season when its population

spikes. It damages crops by defoliating and eating flowers. It has been recorded on pumpkin, bitter gourd, bottle

gourd, and ladyfinger.

Epilachna vigintioctopunctata ( Fig. 9)Coleoptera; Coccinellidae The Hadda Beetle is a light orange pest with

28-30 dots, affecting cucurbits like bitter gourd, bottle gourd, and pumpkin (Sharma et al. 2016). Both larvae

and adults damage the crop by defoliating the plants.

Myllocerus sp. (Fig. 10 ) (Coleoptera; Curculionidae). Their presence on the host plant was found very few

times during the survey, feeding on the leaves of the host plant. So it may be regarded as the potential pest of

cucurbits in our state.

Bactrocera cucurbitae ( Fig. 11)(Diptera; Tephritidae). Commonly called the Melon Fruit Fly, it is widely

distributed throughout the tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions worldwide. It is found to infect a vast

variety of cucurbits, including pumpkin, sponge gourd, bottle gourd, and muskmelon (Sapkota et al. 2010;

Dhillon et al. 2005). Singh et al. 2000) reported a total damage of 30% on bitter gourd and watermelon. The

adults lay eggs on the surface of the fruits, and the larvae bore into the fruit, thereby making it unpalatable.

Camponotus compressus (Fig. 12) (Hymenoptera; Formicidae). This species of Black ants forages on the

younger leaves, buds, and tendrils of the plant, acting as defoliators. They infest the crop in abundance and cover

the tender tips of the newly growing leaves, tendrils, and buds, resulting in crippled growth of the young shoot.

(Neha Jamwal* and Sanjay Bhatia 2018)

Aphis gossypii (Fig. 13) (Hemiptera; Aphididae). These are very small, commonly called Green flies. They

act as serious pests by sucking the sap of the tender leaves, stems, and buds (Sharma et al. 2016). They have

piercing and sucking mouthparts and feed mostly on bottle gourd, pumpkin, and sponge gourd. They cause

yellowing of the leaves, which finally turn brown, and the overall yield of the crop reduces due to reduced

photosynthetic activity. They were present in abundance under the leaves in the studied area.

Coridius chinensis (Fig. 14) (Hemiptera; Dinidoridae). This is a species of stinkbugs, commonly known as C

ucurbit Stink Bug. This also destroys the crops by feeding on the sap of young growing shoots using its piercing

and sucking mouthparts. Leaves, after turning yellow, fall to the ground, leading to a low yield of the fruit crop.

It was found in pumpkin, sponge gourd, and bottle gourd.

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Bemisia tabaci (Fig. 15) (Hemiptera; Aleyrodidae). This is commonly called as Whitefly and is polyphagous

in nature, found feeding on various plants, including the cucurbits (Coudriet et al. 1985). Among cucurbits, they

infect pumpkin, sponge guard, and bottle gourd the most.

Nezara viridula (Fig. 16) (Hemiptera; Pentatomidae). Commonly known as the Green Stink Bug, this pest is

an occasional visitor to the cucurbits and hence, is a minor pest (Sharma and Tara, 2017). This pest was recorded

on bottle gourd and pumpkin from the study area.

Cletus bipunctatus (Fig. 17) (Hemiptera; Coreidae). It is popularly known as the Squash Bug, although a

minor pest was found feeding on cucumber and pumpkin. Adults and nymphs caused the damage by sucking the

leaves and turning them yellow. They were recorded on pumpkin, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, and sponge gourd.

Diaphania indica (Fig. 18) (Lepidoptera; Pyralidae). Commonly called the Cucurbit Moth, this is one of the

major pests of cucurbits and was found infesting pumpkin, bottle gourd, and sponge gourd. The adults lay eggs

on the underside of leaves, and the larvae, being voracious feeders, defoliate the plant, thereby reducing the

overall yield of the fruits.

Atractomorpha sp. (Fig. 19) (Orthoptera; Pyrgomorphidae). This is the species of Green slant-faced

grasshoppers. They act as defoliators ( Vinutha et al. 2017) by chewing away the foliage and hindering the

photosynthetic activity of the plants. They were found to be associated with the cucurbit crops occasionally,

which suggests that they are only a minor pest in the studied area.

Thrips palmi (Fig.20) Thysanoptera (Terebrantia: Thripidae The melon thrips damages plants by killing

surface cells with its piercing and sucking mouthparts during feeding. At low levels, there may be no visible sign

of damage. In high numbers, melon thrips produce silvering, yellowing, and bronzing of affected areas. Leaves

may crinkle and die; growing tips may become stunted, discoloured, and deformed; and fruits may abort or

develop scar tissue.

NATURAL ENEMIES OF PESTS OF CUCURBITS 1. Coccinella septumpunctata (Fig. 21) (Coleoptera;

Coccinellidae). This is the most commonly found ladybird beetle. Also called the seven-spotted Ladybird beetle,

it was present in abundance where the aphid population was very high. This helps to reduce the pest population

very effectively (Singh and Singh, 2016).

Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fig. 22) Coleoptera; Coccinellidae) Commonly known as the six-spotted zigzag

ladybird beetle, it was found feeding on the aphids. Singh and

Singh (2016) recorded similar observations. Both larvae and adults were engaged in the biocontrol.

Coccinella transversalis (Fig. 23) (Coleoptera; Coccinellidae). Another species of ladybird beetle, commonly

known as T Transverse banded ladybird beetle, was recorded feeding on aphids.

Praying Mantis Mantis religiosa (Fig. 24). The praying mantis nymph was observed feeding on insect pest

larvae and nymphs affecting cucurbits. A study by Sharma and Tara (2017) in Maharashtra highlighted

significant damage from Hemipteran insects on these crops. The current research identified major pest species

primarily from Coleoptera and Hemiptera, with contributions from Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, and

Orthoptera. Key pests included Aulacophora foveicollis (Coleoptera), Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera), and

Diaphania indica (Lepidoptera).

CONCLUSION

1. The insect pest complex associated with the crop is diverse, involving multiple orders and families,

with Coleoptera and Hemiptera dominating.

2. Defoliators are the major contributors to crop damage, indicating that management strategies should

primarily target leaf-feeding pests.

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3. Sap-sucking pests, although fewer in number, can indirectly affect crop health by causing nutrient

loss and transmitting plant pathogens.

4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies combining cultural, biological, and judicious

chemical control are recommended to minimize yield losses.

5. The documentation of pest diversity and feeding habits provides a baseline for future pest monitoring

and management programs in the region.

Fig.4 Fig.5 Fig.6 Fig,7

Fig.8 Fig.9 Fig.10 Fig.11

Fig.12 Fig.13 Fig.14 Fig.15

Fig.16 Fig.17 Fig.18 Fig.19

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Fig.20

NATURAL ENEMIES OF PESTS OF CUCURBITS

1. Coccinella septempunctata (Fig. 19)

Fig.21 Fig.22 Fig.23 Fig,24

Fig.25 Fig.26 Fig.27 Fig.28

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