Biology of Cleora cornaria, neem Looper (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in Talwandi Sabo, Punjab

Abstract

The present investigations were carried out on biology of neem semi-looper, Cleora cornaria (Geometridae, Lepidoptera.) under lab/field conditions. The pest was noticed first time feeding mainly on green leaves and tender branches of neem trees in Talwandi Sabo (Bathinda), Punjab. Different life stages of the pest, namely egg, larva, pupa and adult, were studied and the results are reported here in. The studies revealed that the life cycle of neem looper passed through four different stages i.e. egg, larva, pupa and adult. The egg duration ranged from 2 to 4 days. The larva passed through five instars and the average duration (days) of each instar was found to be 2.46±0.51, 2.66±0.48, 3.53±0.51, 4.26±0.59 and 6.4 ± 0.50 days, respectively. The adult longevity of male and female moths of the looper was observed to be 5.1±1.06, 8.2±0.94 days, respectively. The pupation took place underneath soil and plant debris near the bases of tree trunks of neem. The pupal stage was prolonged in winter and the pest stayed in hibernation from December to March. The next generation of adult moths started appearing in April as the day temperatures picked up. The adults were observed sitting on tree trunks in the early mornings, however, they were attracted to light traps during night hrs.