Biology of Trilocha varians (Walker) (Bombycidae, Lepidoptera)

Issue Date

10-2013

Abstract

The biology of Bombycid moth, Trilocha varians (Walker), was studied under laboratory conditions at 27-29°C at the National Crop Protection Center from September to December 2012. Neonates were reared individually inside glass Pyrex plates using leaves of weeping fig, Ficus benjamina L. Several plant species were evaluated as potential hosts of T. varians. Its feeding damage on some species of Ficus and Artocarpus was discussed and documented. Associated natural enemies were also determined. The bombycid moth passes through the egg, five larval instars, and pupal stage before becoming an adult. The incubation period was 4-5 days: larval period, 12-14 days; pupal period, 5-6 days; and adult longevity is 6-7 days. Third to fourth instar larvae fed on majority of the species of Ficus and Artocarpus offered. An undetermined species of hymenopterous larval-pupalparasitoid emerged from field-collected pupae. This parasitoid of the black earwig, Chelisochesmorio was tested in confinement and it preyed upon 3rd to 5th instar larvae of T. varians.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

27

Issue

2

Page

214

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

BOMBYCIDAE; LEPIDOPTERA; FICUS BENJAMINA; FICUS; PESTS OF PLANTS; PHILIPPINES

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