Biology of Glyphodes negatalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): A New Insect Pest of Karanj, Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre in south Gujarat (India)

The biology of Karanj defoliator, Glyphodes negatalis Walker was carried out during the year 2010–11. Results showed that the eggs laid on upper surface of new terminal as well as older leaves with an average of 160. 1 eggs. The average incubation periods of eggs were 3. 93 ± 0. 80 days. The light yellowish green with light brown colour head of newly hatched larva was 3. 72 ± 0. 27 mm long. Larval period completed in 21. 33 ± 5. 51 days through five instars. Full grown larvae are 20. 3 ±1. 21 mm long and 1. 92 ± 0. 06 mm wide, light to dark green on top and yellowish-green underneath; a single, thin, greenish stripe runs lengthwise down the middle of the back. The head is light brown. The average length and width of pre-pupa was 11. 63 ± 1. 03 mm and 1. 92 ± 0. 07 mm, respectively. The reddish brown colour pupa formed in folded and webbed leaves. The average length and width of the pupa was 12. 36 ± 0. 95 mm and 2. 63 ± 0. 33 mm, respectively. The average pre-pupal and pupal stage lasts for 2. 63 ± 0. 33 and 8. 27 ± 0. 96 days, respectively. Adult moths have a wingspan of 20–25 mm and their colour ranged from orange-brown to dark grey with some lighter grey markings. The pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods of G. negatalis averaged 2. 47, 4. 53 and 2. 33 days, respectively. The female to male sex ratio was 1. 36: 1. The average longevity of female and male was 8. 93 ± 1. 16 days and 7. 67 ± 1. 05 days, respectively. Total life cycle of the female and male was 44. 07 ± 2. 37 days and 39. 75 ± 2. 26 days, respectively.