Biology of Anar Butterfly: Deudorix (Virachola) isocrates Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in Mid Hill of Himachal Pradesh

Aim: The study on biology of fruit borer, Virachola isocrates Fabricius was carried out under laboratory conditions.

Place and Duration of study: Study on the biology of V. isocrates was carried out under laboratory conditions in the Horticultural Research Station, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Seobagh Kullu in 2019.

Methodology: In order to study life cycle, V. isocrates reared in the laboratory and measurements of different stages were regularly recorded with the help of ocular micrometer and stage micrometer.

Results: The average incubation period was recorded to be of 8.66 ± 2.05 days. The developmental period of first, second, third, fourth and fifth instar was 2.66 ± 0.46, 3.33 ± 0.46, 3.66 ± 0.46, 3.33 ± 0.46 and 3.33 ± 0.46 days, respectively. The total larval period was found to be of 15.33 ± 6.94 days. Pupal duration was found to be 15.33 ± 6.94 days. Total developmental period was completed within 40 ± 4.08 days through five larval instars on pomegranate.

Conclusion: An up to date knowledge about the incidence pattern of major insect pests and their life cycle studies is a prerequisite for implementation of an effective and successful management tactics.