Biology of Rolepa unimoda (Dognin, 1923) (Lepidoptera, Lymantriidae) on leaves of Tabebuia avellanedae Lor. ex-griseb (Bignoniaceae) and observations on its natural enemies

Abstract

This research deals with the study of the biology of Rolepa unimoda (Dognin, 1923) (Lepidoptera , Lymantri idae) . The larvae are defoliators on ornamental plantings of Tabebuia avellanedae Lor. ex-Griseb (Bignoniaceae). They also attack Tabebuia caraiba (Mart.) Burmeister. The insects were reared in laboratory conditions (temperature 27 ±2°C; RH 70 +15%; 12 hour photoperiod), in the Section of Entomology, Center of Agricultural Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, in Cuiabá, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The following parameters were determined: period and viability of the egg, larva, prepupa and pupa stages; number and length of the larval instars and leaf consumption of the larval stage; adult longevity and sex ratio; natural enemies; host plants and occurrence of the insect in the States of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul.