New record of invasive moth Phalera cf. bucephala (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) on Salix alba (Salicaceae) from Ladakh, India

The Suru Valley of district Kargil, UT Ladakh, India is part of the Trans-Himalayan region. Over the past two decades, the region has been experiencing climate change, resulting in outbreaks of many invasive insect species in the area. The present study documents a new invasive moth Phalera cf. bucephala (Linnaeus, 1758) on Salix alba and its biology in the region. This species is polyphagous, infesting a wide range of plant species, including those of the genus Salix. Observations indicate that adults emerge in late June, with females laying eggs within 2–3 days. After an incubation period of 10–15 days, larvae hatch in July and pupate in August and September. The insect overwinters in the pupal stage underground, beneath decomposing leaves, grasses, and debris. There are four larval stages, all of which are active feeders, leading to complete defoliation of the host plant within 30 days of emergence. Currently, P. cf. bucephala is confined to the Suru Valley of district Kargil but may potentially spread to neighbouring areas.