Genus Distatrix Mason (Figs 55−56, 137)

Rearing Data: The genus Distatrix is mainly reported from pantropical regions with very few records from temperate areas. The genus is equivalent to Nixon’s formosus group (Mason 1981). Cocoons that are gregarious in nature mimic flower heads, while the solitary ones make single stalked cocoons (Whitfield 1997). Almost 758 specimens were bred from caterpillars collected all over India.

Life History Comments: Only one species, Distatrix papilionis (Viereck) (Fig. 137) is recorded from India, attacking Papilio demoleus Linnaeus. Gregarious white cocoon masses ranging from 15-158 cocoons/leaf were observed (Figs 1 A, 55, 56). Number of cocoons/caterpillar/leaf varied with the stage of larval instar. The early instars (2nd instar) of lime butterfly, having the appearance of bird droppings, yielded 15-26 cocoons/caterpillar/ leaf. Third instar parasitism yielded 49, 58, 96 cocoons/caterpillar/leaf, respectively. From late instars 112, 131, 148, and 158 cocoons/caterpillar/leaf were collected. This shows positive correlation between the number of cocoons/caterpillar/leaf and the larval stage (and possibly with the size of the host).