Department of Zoology and Biotechnology, Govt. Model Autonomous Science College, Jabalpur -482 001, Madhya Pradesh, India
*Corresponding author's address: Forest Entomology Division, Tropical Forest Research Institute, P.O. - RFRC, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh - 482 021, India
Online published on 21 November, 2013.
Studies on biology and life history of sal seed weevil, Sitophilus rugicollis Casey, damaging sal seeds in Madhya Pradesh, in storage revealed that the Midnapur variety of S. rugicollis appeared to differ with regards the size (the MP variety being larger), incubation period of egg (slightly higher in MP variety) and duration of larval instars. Also, sexual dimorphism was not seen in the Midnapur variety while in the MP variety proboscis and abdomen revealed clear differences in two sexes, the proboscis was distinctly longer in the female. This locality specific information on the duration of life stages and sexual dimorphism will certainly not only add to the scientific information but can be used for developing the effective management options against the pest.
Forest Insect Pests, oil yielding seeds, Shorea robusta, Sitophilus rugicollis, weevil
