LIFE HISTORY OF CASSIDA INDICOLA DUVIVIER (COLEOPTERA : CHRYSOMELIDAE) - A PEST ON TWO SPECIES OF CONVOLVULUS
J.P SINGH *
DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY, PUNJABI UNIVERSITY, PATIALA-147002, INDIA.
PARAMPAL KAUR SIDHU *
DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY, PUNJABI UNIVERSITY, PATIALA-147002, INDIA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The life history of Cassida indicola Duv, was studied in the laboratory at 28 + 20c temperature and 70-80% relative humidity. Mating lasts for 35-45 minutes. Mated female lays 50-58 eggs in the ovipositional period of 20-22 days. Incubation period is of 6-7 days in duration. The larval stage consisting of 5 instars lasts for 15-16 days. The pupal stage lasts for 3-4 days with a pre-pupal period of one day. The total life cycle is completed in 25-28 days. The larvae and the adults feed voraciously on the leaf tissues.