Department of Entomology and Zoology, Punjabrao Krishi Vidyapeeth, P.O. Krishi Nagar, Akola-444 104, M.S (India).
The biology of Metanastria hyrtaca Cram. was studied on jamun in the laboratory, during rainy and winter seasons (1992–93). Insect took more time to complete its life cycle in winter (105.4 days) as compared to rainy season (85.8 days). The larvae passed through seven instars and required 59.4 and 70 days for completion of Jarval period during rainy and winter seasons, respectively. The pupal and adult periods for corresponding seasons were observed to be 14.8 and 17.4 days. The male adults lasted for 2.2 days and 2.6 days, whereas females lived relatively longer for 3.0 and 4.2 days, respectively in rainy and winter seasons. The winter season favoured higher fecundity (228 eggs/female) than the rainy season (174 eggslfemale). The egg duration was 9.0 and 14.6 days in rainy and winter seasons, respectively.
