Effects of hosts, temperature and humidity on the biology of Locastra muscosalis walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The effect of availability of host plant, temperature and humidity were studied on the biology and seasonal history of Locastra muscosalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Among the three hosts viz., Pistacia, apple and poplar evaluated, Pistacia was the most preferred host. The biology when evaluated on these hosts revealed there are five larval instars, with their morphology being similar. However, the larval duration was maximum when reared on poplar, and fecundity was maximum with the females reared on apple. When reared at 25+1°C, at a relative humidity of 60%, the larvae were darker than those reared under ambient conditions. Some more differences in biology were also observed.