Biology of Earias insulana (Spiny bollworm) Lepidoptera: Noctuidae on different temperatures in laboratory

Abstract

Earias insulana (spiny bollworm) is a major lepidopteron pest of cotton crop and other vegetables. In Pakistan, especially in Sindh Earias insulana cause severe infestation to cotton crop. The biology of Earias insulana was carried out in the laboratory on different temperatures (27, 31, and 35±1 °C) on their natural diet. During present study, it was observed that development rate was high on 35±1 °C temperature while low development rate on 27 °C temperature. Maximum mortality was observed in egg and first larval instars while minimum mortality observed in fourth larval instars. Present study reveals that we can control this pest at egg to 3 rd larval instars.