Vol. 12, Special Issue 6 (2023)

Biological studies conducted during 2021-22 under laboratory condition at BTCCARS, Bilaspur on diamondback moth, Plutellae xylostella (Linn.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) revealed that the egg period (incubation period) varies from 3 to 5 days (Av. 3.90 ± 0.20 days). The larva passed through four different instars. The first, second, third and fourth instar larva lived for 2 to 3 days (Av. 2.40± 0.11), 2 to 3 days (Av. 2.75± 0.10), 2 to 3 days (Av. 2.65 ± 0.11) and 2 to 4 days (Av. 3.10 ± 0.14), respectively with a total larval period of 8 to 13 days (Av. 10± 0.41). The pre-pupal and pupal stage lasted for 1 - 2 days (Av. 1.5 ± 0.11) and 3 to 5 days (Av. 4.10 ± 0.16), respectively. The entire life span under laboratory conditions varied from 15 to 25 days (Av. 20.75 ± 0.73).