The larval development of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on differently milled rice, rice bran and rice powder

Abstract

In order to investigate the larval development and damage characteristics of the rice moth Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on rice, larvae of C. cephalonica were reared on brown rice, polished rice, wash-free rice, rice bran, and rice powder at 25ºC, 55% relative humidity (RH), and a 16:8 light-dark cycle. The shortest larval developmental period was found on brown rice (51.2 days) while the longest was found on rice powder (171.5 days). There were no significant differences in developmental periods among polished rice, wash-free rice, and rice bran. The emergence rate was exceptionally low on rice powder (53.3%) compared to other diets (over 80%). The examination of each kernel of brown rice after emergence showed that this species selectively damages rice germ, with a secondary preference for rice bran. These results suggest that dietary rice germ and rice bran are relatively suitable for the larval development of the rice moth.