Abstract The paddy black beetle, Heteronychus lioderes Redtenbacher, has emerged as an important soil-dwelling pest in rice ecosystems of the north-western Himalayas. This study evaluated its population dynamics, host plant resistance, and management under mid-hills field conditions. The pest appeared in late July and peaked in early August, causing up to 48.4% tiller infestation. Population build-up showed significant positive correlation with minimum temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall.