Food preference of Mylabris phalerata Pallas (Meloidae: Coleoptera) in field conditions

摘要

Feeding nature of Mylabris phalerata (Pallas), the most widely and endemic species of blister beetle (Meloidae) of India is presented here. The study was conducted in field conditions to observe its food preference. These insects in general get attracted to brightly coloured flowers and feed on them. Their food preference depend on a wide range of flowers of different host plants, among them Ipomoea carnea Jace. Stands as a first priority of choice.