Abstract
The very tiny eggs of Daraba laisalis are often laid hidden between the body of egg fruits and its persistent sepals. After 4–5 days nearly all eggs hatch. The first instar caterpillar enters an egg fruit within 30 min of hatching, spends 8–15 days within it at a temperature of 242–32°C and r.h. 73–96%; it comes out a much bigger caterpillar to pupate in any convenient but hidden place near the egg fruit. The development of larva and pupa to adult and the morphology of the first and last instar larvae, the pupa and the adult are described. Behavioural peculiarities, longevity and predators of larvae are also mentioned.
Résumé
Les très petits oeufs de Daraba laisalis sont pondus le plus souvent cachés entre le corps de l’aubergine et ses pétales persistents. La période de ponte dure de 4 à 5 jours suite à laquelle presque tous les oeufs éclosent. La première larve qui vient d’éclore se glisse dans une aubergine une trentaine de minutes après sa naissance y passant entre huit et quinze jours à une temperature de 24° degré et 32°C et une humidité relative de 73 à 96% et en sort après être devenue un peu plus grande pour se métamorphoser en pupe dans un endroit convenable mais caché et toujours près de l’aubergine. La métamorphose de la larve et de la pupe en adulte et la morphologie de la première et de la dernière larves, de la pupe et de l’adulte sont décrites. Cette description contient aussi des détails et des précisions sur les habitudes qui leur sont particulières telles que la durée de vie et des prédateurs qui nuisent aux larves.
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Aina, J.O. The Biology of Daraba Laisalis (WLK) Formerly Called Sceliodes Laisalis (WLK) (Pyralidae, Lepidoptera), an Egg Fruit Borer. Int J Trop Insect Sci 5, 513–520 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400004963
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400004963