Rearing the larvae of Spodoptera litura (F.) on various plants

Abstract

The larvae of Spodoptera litura (F.) were reared on various plants including 3 cultivated plants under the constant temperature of 25°C. Test plants, covering 43 species in 22 families, were sup-plied from natural stands in the vicinity of the laboratory. All plants except for Mirabilis jalapa L. supported development of the insect through to adult, and among them 11 plants were found feeding or ovipositing in the field. The emerged moths oviposited when they fed only on water. When test plants were unsuitable for growth and development, increased mortality, prolonged deve-lopment and the decrease of pupal weight of the insect were found and the last was apparent in female than male.