Biology and rate of food consumption of banana skipper Erionota torus Evans (Hesperiidae: Lepidoptera)

Abstract

Studies on life history of banana skipper, Erionota torus indicated female laid eggs in clusters on the under surface of the leaves of the banana plant. Incubation, total larval and pupal period ranged from 7 - 9 days, 26 - 33 days and 10 - 12 days, respectively. Fecundity of the female ranged from 18 -29 eggs. The amount of food consumed increased from II to V instars (10.28, 23.13, 25.01 and 41.56 % respectively). The weight gain in third instar was 33.51% of total larval weight. The values of growth rate (GR) decreased from II to V instar, the values varied between 0.03 and 0.16 g/day/g. Consumption index ranged between 0.64 and 2.15 g/day/g. The indices of food utilization efficiencies namely; AD values ranged from 80.89 to 97.86%, ECI 6.86 to 13.00% and ECD 7.90 to 15.90%.