Notes on the Life History and Habits of Ceramidia Butleri Moeschler, A Pest of Bananas (Lepidoptera: Syntomidae)

Eggs hatch in 5 to 6 days, larval life with its 6 to 7 instars requires 18 to 23 days, and the pupal stage averages 9 days. Eggs are laid and larval life is passed on the under side of banana leaves; pupation usually takes place there also, but sometimes occurs behind the leaf sheaths on the side of the pseudostem. During its last instar, which has the longest duration, the larva consumes more leaf tissue than during all preceding instars together. The medium-sized, bluish-black adults are very active during the days. Laboratory-reared adults lived from 3 to 6 days. This species is a serious pest of bananas in Costa Rica, where these observations were made.