Biology of castor hairy caterpillar (Euproctis lunata Walker) on castor in Haryana conditions Kamboj Robin, Gaur Ram Karan*, Kumar Yogesh Regional Research Station (CCSHAU), Bawal-123501, Rewari, Haryana, India *Email for correspondence: drramkaran1965@gmail.com
Online published on 25 July, 2018. Abstract The life cycle of Euproctis lunata Walker consists of egg, six larval instars, pupa and adult. In the present study the eggs were found in clusters and covered with thick light brown tufts of hairs and incubation period varied from 5 to 10 days. The diameter of eggs ranged from 0.6 to 0.7 mm. The total larval period ranged from 20 to 26, 22 to 28 and 68 to 82 days in first, second and third generation respectively. The results of morphometric measurements revealed that the average size of full grown first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth instar larva was 2.75 × 0.23, 6.55 × 0.61, 9.46 × 1.65, 16.16 × 2.47, 25.18 × 3.51 and 35.14 × 4.48 mm respectively. The pupa measured from 12 to 14 mm in length and 5 to 6 mm in breadth and pupal period ranged from 12 to 19 days in different generations. The antennae of male moths were bipectinate whereas the female had filiform antennae. The male measured 10 to 12 mm in length and 30 to 32 mm in wing expansion whereas female measured 12 to 14 mm in length and 35 to 37 mm in wing expansion. The longevity of male adult ranged from 4 to 7 and of female 5 to 9 days in different generations. The insect completed three generations from August 2014 to March 2015. Top Keywords Castor, Euproctis lunata, biology, incubation, generations, egg, larva, pupa, adult. Top |