Extent of Use of the Novel Fabaceous Host Centrosema molle by Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Nusa Tenggara

The herbivorous ladybird beetle Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata depends primarily on solanaceous plants. The utilisation of a novel fabaceous host, centro (Centrosema molle), by this beetle has been reported from several regions in Southeastern Asia, but details of the distribution and feeding habits of H. vigintioctopunctata populations on centro are largely unknown. Our study aimed to gather basic information on the utilisation of centro by H. vigintioctopunctata in the Nusa Tenggara region of southeastern Indonesia. Field surveys indicated that H. vigintioctopunctata did not yet utilize centro in the wild in this region. However, in feeding-choice experiments in the laboratory, all beetle populations tested from this region had some potential to utilize centro, i.e., showed some feeding acceptance of this plant. Based on these results, we discuss the current status of the Nusa Tenggara H. vigintioctopunctata populations in using centro as a host. Treubia, Vol. 40. Hal. 25-38