Effect of temperature on growth and oviposition characteristics of Meganoton scribae (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)

Abstract

This study examined the biological characteristics of Meganoton scribae under the following conditions: temperature (20, 25, 30°C), humidity (60 ± 10%), and photoperiod (14L:10D). At 25°C, the larval stage of M. scribae lasted for 28.4 d, and the pupal stage for 15.6 d. The average head width was 0.96 mm in the 1 st , 1.34 mm in the 2 nd , 2.07 mm in the 3 rd , 3.64 mm in the 4 th , and 5.89 mm in the 5 th instar. The life span of female adults was 10.3 d, and the maximum number of eggs spawned was 257.7. The results of the study will be useful for the commercial development of M. scribae.