Life cycle and biology of Spodoptera litura (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) on castor (Ricinus communis)

This research investigates the biology and culture techniques of Spodoptera litura, a destructive pest affecting various agricultural and horticultural crops worldwide, including India. The study was conducted under laboratory conditions in 2023 and further observations were obtain in 2024. The study focused on the developmental duration across different life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Findings revealed that female moths lay approximately 850-900 eggs, with incubation lasting 4.5±0.71 days. The larval stage comprises five instars, with the average durations for the first to fifth instars recorded as 2.50±0.71, 3.50±0.71, 2.50±0.71, 3.50±0.71 and 5.00±1.41 days, respectively. Adult longevity differed by sex, with males surviving 9.00±1.41 days and females 10.0±1.41 days. The complete life cycle from egg laying to adult emergence spanned an average of 30±2.82 days. The study concluded that castor serves as a suitable host for S. litura, facilitating vigorous larval feeding and subsequent pest proliferation. These insights contribute to understanding the life cycle dynamics and potential management strategies for this significant agricultural pest.