New record of the sphingid moth Acherontia styx Westwood, its parasitoid Trichogramma achaeae in Jasmine Jasminum sambac L., and its bioecology

Abstract

The sphingid moth larvae are voracious defoliators of several crops. The present study was conducted to investigate damage of Acherontia styx on Jasmine, their seasonal incidence, and bioecology. Larval instars fed on jasmine leaves and flowers, with the highest defoliation being 35% and highest flower damage 47% during September. The lifecycle consisted of egg, five larval instars, pupal, and adult stages. The eggs were pearly white in colour and emerged larvae were cylindrical with a prominent anal horn. In subsequent moults the larvae continued to feed and become larger until they turned a reddish colour and ceased feeding prior to pupating in the soil. Adult moths were robust and swift fliers. The total life cycle from egg to adult was 56 days for males and 59 days for females. Trichogramma achaeae Nagaraja & Nagarkatti was noticed and documented as a potential egg parasitoid of the sphingid moth, a new record. A natural parasitization of eggs was noticed under field conditions, with changed colour of eggs to deep black from which a tiny parasitic wasp emerged, identified as T. achaea.