Biology of blue butterfly lampides boeticus (L.) on field pea

Biology of blue butterfly, Lampides boeticus (L.) (Lepidopera: Lycaenidae) was studied on field pea variety HFP 529 under laboratory conditions (26±1°C; 60-70% RH). It was observed that 14 eggs/ female were laid singly on twigs, flowers and pods. Pre-oviposition, oviposition, postoviposition and incubation periods were from 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 2 to 3 and 2 to 3 days, respectively. Mean larval period was 2.5, 2.6, 3.3 and 3.6 days for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th instars, respectively, with total larval duration of 12 days. Prepupal and pupal period was 2.22 and 8.00 days, respectively. The mean longevity of male and female was 8.0 and 9.5 days, respectively. Total life cycle varied from 29 to 35 days.