Studies on Biology and Morphometrics of Etiella zinckenella (Lepidoptera) on Lentil under Laboratory Conditions

Background: Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke), an important and destructive pest of lentils and peas owing to its feeding habit.

Aim: The present study aims to investigate the biology and morphometrics of Etiella zinckenella (lepidoptera) on lentil under laboratory conditions.

Study Design: Laboratory experiment carried out on biological parameters of Etiella zinckenella in the department of Entomology, CCSHAU and Hisar.

Results: Study revealed that a single female could lay 46-65eggs (average 56.3 eggs) preferably singly on pods, flowers, calyx and leaves of lentil. Incubation period of the eggs varied from 5.18 to 5.38 days (average 5.24 days). After egg hatching, larvae passed through 5 larval instars. Total larval and pupal period was observed on an average 16.9 and 13.38 days, respectively. Adult longevity of male and female was found on an average 4.1 and 5.6 days respectively. Etiella zinckenella completed its total life cycle in 37-45 days.

Conclusion: Biology of an insect pest is a condition precedent to find out its management strategies. Hence, observation on nature and behaviour of each developmental stage of this pest can be further utilised in the effective management at its damaging stage under field conditions.