Biology of spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Geyer) on pigeonpea

Abstract

Laboratory studies on biology of the spotted pod borer revealed that the average longevity of male moths was 3.56 + 0.70 days, while that of female moth was 7.53 + 1.17 days. The present study showed that spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata passed through the five different larval instars. It is evident from the data that the total larval duration of spotted pod borer, M. vitrata varied from 12 to 15 days with an average of 13.75 + 0.64. The final instar larvae that entered into a pre-pupal stage. Pupation took place on plant, inner side of damaged pods or some times on rearing containers under laboratory conditions. The average of entire life span of male was 30.62 + 2.45 days in case of female it was 34.59 + 2.92 days.