Comparison of different diets on biology of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) under laboratory condition.

The study aimed to evaluate different rearing media for mass production of rice moth Corcyra cephalonica Stainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), an important host insect for several bio-control agents. The development and reproductive performance of C. cephalonica was evaluated on six different combinations of rearing media containing maize, wheat, rice, jowar, ragi, sugar and groundnut. Results showed that the larval period, pupal period, adult emergence fecundity, adult longevity and fecundity were highest and true generation time was shortest in Diet VI (Wheat, yeast, groundnut). Hence, Diet VI is the most suitable rearing media for mass production of C. cephalonica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]