Biology and morphometric description of pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) on chickpea

The present investigation focused on the biology, reproductive parameters and morphometric characterization of pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) reared on chickpea, Cicer arietinum under laboratory condition. Results showed that eggs were spindle-shaped, laid singly and staunchly adhered to the seed coat. The larva was C-shaped and lived inside the seed. The adult came out by making a window hole on the seed. It took 3 to 5 days for hatching of eggs. The total larval duration was 14-20 days and pupal period varied between 6-7 days. All life stages were measured morphometrically. The mean length and width of the egg were 0.62 ± 0.03 mm and 0.41 ± 0.03 mm, respectively. Average length and width for first instar larva were 0.67 ± 0.03 mm and 0.37 ± 0.02 mm, for second instar larva, it was 1.86 ± 0.06 mm and 1.18 ± 0.03 mm, for third instar larva, 2.70 ± 0.06 mm, and 1.47 ± 0.03 mm and for fourth instar larvae it was 3.61 ± 0.03 mm and, 1.97 ± 0.04 mm respectively. The average of total body length of male and female adult was 3.88 ± 0.09 mm and, 4.02 ± 0.12 mm respectively. The total life cycle of an adult male and female was 36.49 and 40.07 days, respectively, with an average fecundity of 91.30 ± 7.74 eggs per female.