DEVELOPMENTAL PARAMETERS OF TRILOCHAVARIANS (LEPIDOPTERA: BOMBYCIDAE); A PEST OF WEEPING FIG, FICUSBENJAMINA IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The developmental parameters of Trilochavarianswere studied on weeping fig, Ficusbenjamina at 26°C ± 1.0 temperature and 65±5% relative humidity. The study showed that female laid 160-270 eggs in 2-6 layers on the dorsal side of the leaves. Some unmated female also laid 15-183 eggs in groups which never developed into larvae. 24 hours prior to hatching, the eggs turned black. Egg incubation period was 3.46±1.22 days on F. benjamina. The high fecundity increased the survival rate of T. varians.There were five larval instars which recorded in this study period. Last two instars caused more damage due to resemblance to hosts parts such as bark. There was a short, fleshy horn on the ninth abdominal segment. The developmental time of first, second, third, fourth and fifth larval instars was 2.44±0.82, 3.56±0.53, 3.72±0.26, 4.54±0.79 and 6.20±0.78 days, respectively. Boat shaped and yellow silken pupation was usually observed. The male and female mean longevity was 6.0 ± 1.171 and 11.4 ± 1.70 days. The dorsal side of the female forewings had pale reddish brown lines. The thorax, head, and abdomen of the female had darker reddish brown coloring than those of the male. Adult hind wings had reddish brown outer edges and were grayish in color. The average lifespan for male and female was 6.23±2.09 and 10.01±0.99 days, respectively. Thecurrent paper will lead to proper management practices for this pest