International Journal of Tropical Insect Science (2006) 26, 183-189

Yibrah Beyene, Trond Hofsvang, Ferdu Azerefegne and Trygve Berg (2006)
Geographical distribution, population density and host plants of tef epilachna Chnootriba similis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Ethiopia
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science 26 (3), 183-189
Abstract: A survey on the geographical distribution of Chnootriba similis (Thunberg), formerly known as Epilachna similis, was undertaken from 2001 to 2003 in the main cereal-growing areas of Ethiopia. The population density of the insect was estimated by sweep netting (100 sweeps/farm). In addition, more detailed studies on seasonal and annual fluctuations in population density of C. similis were carried out in southern Ethiopia between 2002 and 2003 by sampling 10 quadrants of 0.25 m² per, farmer's field. The damage levels were determined using scores of 0-9. The survey revealed that C. similis is widely distributed in different parts of the cereal-growing regions of Ethiopia. It was observed that the beetles had spread to altitudes ranging from 1217 to around 3000 m asl. However, the variations in population densities of C. similis cannot be directly attributed to altitude, as highly differing population densities in similar altitudes of different locations were recorded. Annual and seasonal variations in population density were observed in different areas of the southern part of Ethiopia. These results suggest that C. similis has a sporadic nature and can occasionally build up to outbreak levels. Beetles fed on both cereals (barley, wheat, tef, maize, sorghum and finger millet) and wild grasses (Leersia hexandra (Sw.), Avena abyssinica (Hoechst) and Lolium temulentum (L.)). Population densities and damage levels on the cereal crops varied considerably with the highest densities and damage levels on barley.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Yibrah Beyene, Trond Hofsvang

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
surveys/sampling/distribution
population dynamics/ epidemiology

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Chnootriba similis	Barley (Hordeum vulgare)	Ethiopia
	Chnootriba similis	Maize/corn (Zea mays)	Ethiopia
	Chnootriba similis	Wheat (Triticum)	Ethiopia
	Chnootriba similis	Sorghum (crop)	Ethiopia
	Chnootriba similis	Teff (Eragrostis tef)	Ethiopia
	Chnootriba similis	Eleusine (crop)	Ethiopia