Bio-ecology of Cricula trifanestrata Helf (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae): a defoliator of mango (Mangifera indica) in Assam.
Sheikh M. S.
Author Affiliation: Department of Zoology, Nabajyoti College, Kalgachia - 781 319, Assam, India.
Insect Environment 10 : 128-131
Abstract : The biology of C. trifanestrata was studied in the laboratory on mango. The eggs were arranged very systematically at the margin of upper leaf blade forming a white necklace-like structure. The larvae were gregarious in nature and remained in a clump on the branch and leaf. The pupation was in groups on leaves and branches of the host plant. The population density of the larvae was highest in the monsoon and showed a decreasing trend beginning from 1995 to 2003. However, the population was either totally absent or very scanty in 1998-2000. Three generations were found in a year. After the third generation, they underwent diapause in the pupal form.