Biology of major lepidopteran predators of Lac Insect

Abstract

Investigations on “Biology of Major Lepidopteran Predators of Lac Insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr)” was carried out in the Department of Entomology, Rajasthan college of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur, during 2021 with a view to record biological parameters viz., incubation period, larval and pupal period, pre-oviposition period, oviposition period, post-oviposition period, adult longevity, total life cycle, and fecundity and evaluate the bio-effecacy of organic treatments against major lepidopteran predators of lac insect. The incubation period of E. amabilis ranged from 3 to 5 days, the total larval-pupal period ranged from 22 to 38 days, the pre-oviposition period ranged from 4 to 6 days, the oviposition period lasted 5 to 7 days, and the post-oviposition period lasted between 3 and 6 days. The total life cycle of a female is 48-54 days. Adult male longevity ranged from 6 to 11 days. Female longevity ranged from 7 to 11 days, the Total life cycle of the female was 48-54 days, and the total lifespan of the male E. amabilis was 43 to 50 days. The average number of eggs laid by E. amabilis was 103.60. The Incubation period of P. pulverea ranged from 5 to 6 days. The total larval-pupal period ranged from 23 to 39 days, the pre-oviposition period ranged from 5 to 6 days, and the oviposition period ranged from 7 to 9 days. The post-oviposition period lasted between 5 and 8 days; male longevity ranged from 7 to 14 days. Female longevity ranged from 9 to 18 days, with a total life cycle of 49 to 59 days. The average number of eggs laid by P. pulverea was 92 eggs.