Biology of spotted bollworm, Earias vitella Fabricius on cotton.

Biology of spotted bollworm, E. vitella was carried out in laboratory during 2006–07, and incubation period was 2.97 ± 0.71 days with hatching percentage of 74.80 ± 4.64%. The length and breadth of egg was 0.52 ± 0.02 and 0.51 ± 0.02 mm, respectively. The larva passed through four instars. The developmental period of first, second, third and fourth instar larva was 2.51 ± 0.61, 1.48 ± 0.50, 2.17 ± 0.62 and 3.40 ± 0.77 days, respectively. The total larval period was 9.74 ± 1.54 days. Prepupal duration was 1.48 ± 0.50 days. The duration of pupa destined to be male and female was 7.40 ± 0.91 days and 7.58 ± 1.61 days, respectively. The length and breadth of male and female pupa was 10.05 ± 0.70, and 3.20 ± 0.33 mm; 10.18 ± 68.70, and 3.39 ± 0.14 mm, respectively. The pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition period was 1.50 ± 0.71, 5.80 ± 1.69 and 3.90 ± 1.65, respectively. The longevity of male and female was 9.20 ± 2.30 and 11.40 ± 2.91 days, respectively. The fecundity was 265 ± 93.98 eggs per female. The total life cycle of male and female was 28.20 and 30.70 days, respectively.