Sal forest covers 32% of the total forest land of Bangladesh. Though there is no record of severe infestation
of sal forest by any defoliator insect in Bangladesh. Recently, Altadighi sal forest of Naogaon district is
completely defoliated by an unknown lepidopteran insect affecting the growth of the plant seriously. The
insect has been identified as Dendrophleps semihyalina Hampson (Lymantriidae: Lepidoptera). It is a new
record of sal defoliator in Bangladesh. More than 95% trees were infested by the pest. The peak infestation
period occurred during March and April. Two insecticides namely Malathion 57 EC (malathion) and
Ripcord 10 EC (cypermethrin) were applied on infested trees @2-4 ml/1 and 1-2 ml/1 of water respectively
after every seven days for 2 to 3 times. The pest was controlled within two weeks.