Comparative Biology of Sesamia inferens(Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Artificial and Natural Diets

Comparative Biology of Sesamia inferens(Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Artificial and Natural Diets | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Comparative Biology of Sesamia inferens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Artificial and Natural Diets Chethankumar M, Dr. Mallikarjuna Jeer, Dr. K. C. Sharma, Dr. Yogesh Yele This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6579048/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The biology of Sesamia inferens (Walker) was investigated under controlled conditions of 28 ± 2°C, with relative humidity ranging from 75–85%, and a photoperiod of 12 hours light followed by 12 hours dark, using a BOD chamber. The study was conducted on both an artificial diet and a natural diet. This study investigates the developmental biology and reproductive parameters of Sesamia inferens when reared on artificial and natural diets, comparing key aspects such as egg size, larval growth, pupal development, adult morphometrics, and overall life cycle duration. The eggs of S. inferens on the artificial diet were slightly larger, with an average length of 0.21 mm and breadth of 0.11 mm, compared to those on the natural diet, which averaged 0.19 mm in length and 0.10 mm in breadth. Egg clusters on the natural diet contained more eggs, averaging 145.4 eggs per cluster compared to 134.6 on the artificial diet. Larvae on the artificial diet exhibited marginally faster growth across all six instars, with slightly greater length, width, and weight than larvae on the natural diet. Similarly, pupae reared on the artificial diet were larger and heavier than those on the natural diet, with female pupae averaging 14.69 mm in length and 142.20 mg in weight on the artificial diet versus 14.13 mm and 140.60 mg on the natural diet. The total larval period was shorter on the artificial diet, averaging 30.3 days compared to 32.7 days on the natural diet. The adult stage also showed minor differences, with females and males reared on the artificial diet exhibiting slightly greater body length, breadth, and weight. Adult longevity was shorter on the artificial diet, with males living an average of 5.8 days and females 7 days, compared to 6.2 and 7.9 days, respectively, on the natural diet. Overall, the life cycle duration was shorter on the artificial diet, averaging 60.7 days compared to 65.25 days on the natural diet. These findings suggest that while the artificial diet accelerates development and increases certain growth parameters, the natural diet supports slightly higher fecundity and longer adult longevity. Entomology Sesamia inferens life cycle biology artificial diet pink stem borer Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 1. INTRODUCTION The pink stem borer (PSB), Sesamia inferens Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphagous pest with a significant impact on various graminaceous crops, posing a substantial threat to agriculture. It attacks a wide array of cereals, including rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, finger millet, pearl millet, oats, barley, and sugarcane, as well as several types of grasses (Nagarjuna, 1989; Banerjee & Pramanik, 2010; Khan et al., 1991 ). The PSB was first documented in maize fields in Madras by Fletcher in 1914, later appearing in finger millet in Mysore (Krishnamurti & Usman, 1952 ) and wheat fields (Patel, 1972 ). Initially considered a minor pest, particularly in rice crops in Punjab (Shahi et al., 1983 ), PSB has progressively emerged as a significant pest across multiple crops and regions (Pathak & Khan, 1994 ). The larva of PSB, recognisable by its pinkish-brown colouration and cylindrical shape, tunnels into crop stems, feeding on internal tissues and causing significant damage. This activity results in central shoot death, a characteristic symptom known as a "dead heart" (Deol, 2002 ). Furthermore, PSB infestation during the reproductive stages of crops can lead to the formation of 'white ears' indicating reduced grain production and directly impacting yields (Singh, 2012 ). Due to its capacity to attack multiple cereal crops, the pest has been referred to by various names, including Ragi stem borer, Asiatic pink stem borer, pink borer, pink rice stem borer, Gramineous stem borer, purple borer, purple stem borer, and purplish stem borer. The ability of PSB to adapt and spread across different crop types and regions makes it a significant concern for sustainable agriculture and food security in cereal-growing areas. This study aims to explore the biology of Sesamia inferens , with a focus on its increasing threat to rice and wheat crops, particularly in the northwestern plains of India. Understanding the pest's behaviour, lifecycle, and environmental influences will be crucial for developing effective management practices to mitigate its impact on cereal crop production. 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 2.1 Experimental Site The lab experiments were carried out at SCHPR, ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, Chhattisgarh state, India during the rabi season of 2023-24 the experimental site is located at an altitude of 281.8 MSL, with a latitude of 21° 22’ 59.79’’ N and longitude of 81° 49’ 37.28’’ E, and receives an annual average rainfall of 1150 mm. 2.2 Collection and Mass rearing of Sesamia inferens The larvae of S. inferens were collected from maize crops at ICAR-NIBSM Raipur's experimental fields. These collected larvae of S. inferens were mass multiplied on maize plants (natural diet), which were provided as small cut pieces of stem parts kept in jars and mass multiplied on an artificial diet (given by Siddiqui et al., 1983 ), and provided as small cut pieces kept in jars. The rearing conditions included maintaining a temperature of 28 ± 2°C, relative humidity between 75–85%, and a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark photoperiod in a BOD chamber. Larval food was changed every two days until they pupated. After pupation, Pupa were transferred to jars containing sterile soil. After emergence, adult moths were released to an oviposition cage where they laid eggs on potted maize plants. Once eggs were deposited on maize leaf sheaths, they were carefully collected and transferred onto butter paper in Petri plates. These plates were kept in the BOD chamber until the eggs reached the blackhead stage. After the emerging F1 population were used to conduct the experiments. 2.2.1 Composition of an artificial diet for mass rearing of pink stem borer ( Sesamia inferens ) ( Siddiqui et al., 1983 ) Sl.no Ingredients (For 500g) Quantity (in gms) Fraction A 1 Green gram flour 70 2 Wheat grain flour 20 3 Brewer’s yeast 5 4 Sorbic acid 0.4 5 Vit E 0.1 6 Ascorbic acid 1.7 7 Sugar 2 8 Dried maize leaf & stem powder 5 9 Distilled water 260ml Fraction B 1 Agar-agar 6 2 Distilled water 130ml 3 Formaldehyde (40%) 1ml 2.3 Observation recorded 2.3.1 Egg The number of eggs in each cluster was recorded. The dimensions of the egg (mm) were measured with a Leica S8 APO stereo zoom microscope. 2.3.2 Larva The body length and breadth were measured using a measuring scale. The weight of each instar was recorded using an electronic weighing machine (Aczel – CY 224C). 2.3.3 Pupa The pupae were sexed and their length, breadth, weight and duration were recorded and kept for adult emergence. 2.3.4 Adult The adults emerged were sexed and the length and breadth of the body were taken. Adult pairs were released on seedlings in ovipositional cages. The adults were observed for mating and egg-laying. 2.4 Statistical analysis The mean and standard deviation of different biological parameters were calculated. 3. RESULTS 3.1 Egg 3.1 Morphometrics of the eggs of S. inferens Table 1 Morphometrics of the eggs of S. inferens Sl. No. Artificial diet Natural diet Egg parameters Maximum Minimum Mean ± SD Maximum Minimum Mean ± SD 01 Length (mm) 0.22 0.18 0.21 ± 0.03 0.21 0.15 0.19 ± 0.04 02 Breadth (mm) 0.13 0.1 0.11 ± 0.01 0.12 0.08 0.10 ± 0.02 04 Eggs per cluster (Nos) 152 120 134.6 ± 13.4 166 132 145.4 ± 14.8 *Mean of 10 individuals SD: Standard deviation The eggs were semi-globular, dorsoventrally flattened, and exhibited radial ridges. Table 1The larva passed through six larval instars. The newly hatched larva was cream in colour with a black head. The pink colour started developing on the larval body at the second instar and by the fourth instar, the colour became prominent. presents a comparative analysis of the egg parameters of Sesamia inferens on an artificial diet and a natural diet, highlighting differences in size, incubation period, and cluster size. The egg length on the artificial diet ranged from 0.18 mm to 0.22 mm, with an average length of 0.21 mm, slightly larger than the eggs on the natural diet, which ranged from 0.15 mm to 0.21 mm and averaged 0.19 mm. Similarly, the breadth of the eggs on the artificial diet showed minimal variation, with measurements between 0.10 mm and 0.13 mm and an average of 0.11 mm, while the eggs on the natural diet exhibited a narrower range of 0.08 mm to 0.12 mm, averaging 0.10 mm. Freshly laid eggs were creamy white, and after 48 hours, the embryo’s head became visible. At 72 hours, the eggs developed a slight pinkish tint, with the greyish head becoming more prominent. By 96 hours, the pinkish colour intensified, and at 120 hours of incubation, the eggs displayed a greyish-black and pink colouration, with the embryo's black head clearly visible. Eggs were laid in batches, typically arranged in 2–4 long rows. The adult females preferred laying eggs on the inner side of the first three leaf sheaths, with a particular preference for the first sheath, the number of eggs per cluster showed variation between the two diets. On the artificial diet, clusters contained between 120 and 152 eggs, with an average of 134.6 eggs per cluster. In contrast, the natural diet produced larger clusters, with egg numbers ranging from 132 to 166 and an average of 145.4 eggs per cluster. 3.2 Larva 3.2.1 Morphometrics of the larva of S. inferens The larva passed through six larval instars. The newly hatched larva was cream in colour with a black head. The pink colour started developing on the larval body at the second instar, and the colour became prominent by the fourth instar. Table 2 compares the morphometrics of Sesamia inferens larvae raised on artificial and natural diets across six instars, focusing on their length, width, and weight. In the first instar, larvae fed on the artificial diet showed a length range between 1.37 mm and 2.1 mm with an average of 1.79 mm, slightly larger than those fed on the natural diet, which ranged from 1.13 mm to 1.98 mm with an average length of 1.68 mm. Additionally, the width of the artificial diet larvae varied between 0.18 mm and 0.33 mm, while the natural diet group ranged between 0.17 mm and 0.28 mm. The weight difference was also noticeable, with artificial diet larvae averaging 0.156 mg compared to 0.13 mg for those on the natural diet. As the larvae developed into the second instar, the growth differences continued. Larvae on the artificial diet reached lengths between 3.4 mm and 4.8 mm, averaging 4.06 mm, whereas those on the natural diet ranged from 3.2 mm to 4.5 mm, with an average of 3.96 mm. The width of the second instar larvae was slightly greater on the artificial diet (0.42 mm to 0.78 mm) compared to the natural diet (0.39 mm to 0.76 mm). In terms of weight, larvae on the artificial diet averaged 3.96 mg, slightly higher than those on the natural diet, which averaged 3.85 mg. During the third instar, artificial diet larvae continued to show slightly higher growth metrics. Their length ranged from 6.72 mm to 8.8 mm, averaging 7.704 mm, while those on the natural diet had a length range of 6.72 mm to 8.8 mm, averaging 7.58 mm. The width of the larvae was also marginally larger on the artificial diet, averaging 1.82 mm compared to 1.76 mm for the natural diet group. Similarly, the weight of the larvae on the artificial diet averaged 19.8 mg, compared to 18.10 mg for those on the natural diet. As the larvae reached the fourth instar, those on the artificial diet had a length range between 13.1 mm and 15.8 mm, with an average of 14.44 mm, while the natural diet group ranged from 12.7 mm to 15.3 mm, averaging 13.96 mm. The width of the fourth instar larvae fed on the artificial diet ranged from 1.9 mm to 2.3 mm, with an average of 2.16 mm, while the natural diet group had a slightly lower average of 2.11 mm. The weight of the fourth instar larvae showed a more significant difference, with those on the artificial diet averaging 47 mg compared to 45.32 mg on the natural diet. In the fifth instar, larvae on the artificial diet exhibited a length range of 19.5 mm to 25.7 mm, with an average of 21.24 mm, while those on the natural diet measured between 18.6 mm and 23.1 mm, averaging 20.48 mm. The width of the artificial diet larvae averaged 2.658 mm, slightly greater than the 2.59 mm width observed in the natural diet group. The weight also showed a marked difference, with larvae on the artificial diet averaging 88.2 mg, compared to 86.60 mg on the natural diet. Table 2 Morphometrics of the larva of S. inferens Artificial Diet Natural Diet S. No Larval parameters Minimum Maximum Mean * ± SD Minimum Maximum Mean * ± SD 1 I instar larva a. Length (mm) 1.37 2.1 1.79 ± 0.24 1.13 1.98 1.68 ± 0.29 b. Width (mm) 0.18 0.33 0.26 ± 0.05 0.17 0.28 0.25 ± 0.05 c. Weight (Mg) 0.1 0.25 0.15 ± 0.06 0.1 0.21 0.13 ± 0.04 2 II instar larva a. Length (mm) 3.4 4.8 4.06 ± 0.52 3.2 4.5 3.96 ± 0.50 b. Width (mm) 0.42 0.78 0.60 ± 0.12 0.39 0.76 0.59 ± 0.12 c. Weight (Mg) 2.4 5.5 3.96 ± 1.07 2.25 5.4 3.85 ± 1.02 3 III instar larva a. Length (mm) 6.72 8.8 7.70 ± 0.80 6.72 8.8 7.58 ± 0.66 b. Width (mm) 1.3 2.4 1.82 ± 0.40 1.15 2.28 1.76 ± 0.38 c. Weight (Mg) 15.03 19.3 19.8 ± 3.66 14.5 18.12 18.10 ± 2.02 4 IV instar larva a. Length (mm) 13.1 15.8 14.44 ± 0.92 12.7 15.3 13.96 ± 0.76 b. Width (mm) 1.9 2.3 2.16 ± 0.15 1.8 2.3 2.11 ± 0.17 c. Weight (Mg) 43.6 58 47 ± 6.54 39 54.6 45.32 ± 6.29 5 V instar larva a. Length (mm) 19.5 25.7 21.24 ± 0.94 18.6 23.1 20.48 ± 1.58 b. Width (mm) 2.55 2.9 2.658 ± 0.16 2.45 2.8 2.59 ± 0.12 c. Weight (Mg) 82.5 92.45 88.2 ± 3.37 80.2 89.5 86.60 ± 3.38 6 VI instar larva a. Length (mm) 26.45 28.8 27.96 ± 0.90 25.8 27.9 26.97 ± 1.24 b. Width (mm) 3.4 3.9 3.636 ± 0.22 3.4 3.85 3.54 ± 0.22 c. Weight (Mg) 128.1 150 140.2 ± 8.06 125.7 147.15 137.32 ± 7.52 *Mean of 10 individuals SD: Standard deviation In the final, sixth instar, the larvae on the artificial diet had a length range of 26.45 mm to 28.8 mm, averaging 27.966 mm, while those on the natural diet ranged from 25.8 mm to 27.9 mm, averaging 26.97 mm. The width of the sixth instar larvae on the artificial diet varied between 3.4 mm and 3.9 mm, with an average of 3.636 mm, slightly higher than the natural diet group’s average of 3.54 mm. In terms of weight, the sixth instar larvae on the artificial diet showed an average weight of 140.2 mg, which was slightly higher than the 137.32 mg average of the larvae on the natural diet. 3.3 Pupa 3.3.1 Morphometrics of the Pupa of S. inferens The pre-pupa gradually changed to obtect pupa. Table 3 compares the morphometric characteristics of female and male Sesamia inferens pupae reared on artificial and natural diets, focusing on their length, width, and weight. Female pupae raised on the artificial diet had a length ranging from 13.4 mm to 15.7 mm, with an average of 14.69 mm, which was slightly higher than those reared on the natural diet, where the length ranged from 13.1 mm to 15.25 mm, averaging 14.13 mm. Similarly, the width of the female pupae on the artificial diet varied between 3.43 mm and 4.2 mm, with an average of 3.91 mm, while those on the natural diet had a width range of 3.14 mm to 4.05 mm, averaging 3.80 mm. The weight of the female pupae also showed a slight difference, with artificial diet pupae averaging 142.20 mg compared to 140.60 mg on the natural diet. For the male pupae, those raised on the artificial diet had a length range between 11.9 mm and 13.7 mm, with an average of 12.62 mm, which was marginally higher than those on the natural diet, where the length ranged from 11.35 mm to 13.2 mm, with an average of 12.25 mm. The width of the male pupae on the artificial diet ranged from 2.3 mm to 3.7 mm, averaging 3.04 mm, while those on the natural diet had a width range of 2.1 mm to 3.6 mm, with an average of 2.90 mm. In terms of weight, male pupae on the artificial diet averaged 121.40 mg, slightly higher than those reared on the natural diet, which had an average weight of 118.80 mg. 3.4 Adult 3.4.1Morphometrics of the Adults of S. inferens The colour of S. inferens varied from light straw to medium brown. Males had smaller body size than females. Table 3 presents the morphometric characteristics of adult female and male Sesamia inferens reared on artificial and natural diets, focusing on parameters such as body length, breadth, weight, wing expanse, and single wing length. Female adults reared on the artificial diet showed a body length ranging from 13.34 mm to 15.4 mm, with an average of 14.49 mm, slightly larger than those reared on the natural diet, which ranged from 13.12 mm to 14.8 mm, with an average of 14.08 mm. The breadth of female adults varied between 4.2 mm and 5.1 mm on the artificial diet, averaging 4.49 mm, compared to 4.05 mm to 4.95 mm on the natural diet, with an average of 4.37 mm. The weight of female adults on the artificial diet ranged from 107 mg to 141 mg, with an average of 126.20 mg, while on the natural diet, it ranged from 103.5 mg to 139.3 mg, with an average of 123.40 mg. The wing expanse of females was also greater on the artificial diet, ranging from 25 mm to 32.3 mm, averaging 28.40 mm, compared to the natural diet, where the expanse ranged from 23.4 mm to 31.25 mm, averaging 27.13 mm. The single wing length in females was slightly larger on the artificial diet, averaging 13.32 mm compared to 12.99 mm on the natural diet. Male adults reared on the artificial diet had a body length ranging from 11.7 mm to 13.8 mm, with an average of 12.69 mm, which was slightly higher than those reared on the natural diet, where the length ranged from 11.3 mm to 12.75 mm, averaging 12.21 mm. The breadth of male adults on the artificial diet ranged from 3.1 mm to 3.8 mm, with an average of 3.33 mm, while on the natural diet, the breadth ranged from 3.04 mm to 3.5 mm, averaging 3.17 mm. The weight of males on the artificial diet ranged from 75.6 mg to 118 mg, with an average of 94.12 mg, slightly higher than those reared on the natural diet, where the weight ranged from 73.8 mg to 115.25 mg, with an average of 92.81 mg. The wing expanse of males was greater on the artificial diet, ranging from 19.7 mm to 22 mm, with an average of 20.88 mm, compared to 19.3 mm to 21.55 mm on the natural diet, where the average was 20.29 mm. The single wing length of males on the artificial diet averaged 11.96 mm, slightly longer than the 11.38 mm average on the natural diet. Table 3. Morphometrics of the Pupa of S. inferens Artificial Diet Natural Diet S. No Pupal parameters Minimum Maximum Mean* ± SD Minimum Maximum Mean* ± SD 1 Female pupa a. Length (mm) 13.4 15.7 14.69 ± 1.03 13.1 15.25 14.13 ± 0.91 b. Width (mm) 3.43 4.2 3.91 ± 0.30 3.14 4.05 3.80 ± 0.38 c. Weight (mg) 139 147.3 142.20 ± 3.63 135.2 145 140.60 ± 4.16 2 Male pupa a. Length (mm) 11.9 13.7 12.62 ± 0.79 11.35 13.2 12.25 ± 1.07 b. Width (mm) 2.3 3.7 3.04 ± 0.60 2.1 3.6 2.90 ± 0.67 c. Weight (mg) 110 127 121.40 ± 8.08 108 125 118.80 ± 7.12 *Mean of 10 individuals SD: Standard deviation Table 4 Morphometrics of the Adults of S. inferens Artificial Diet Natural Diet S. No Adult parameters Minimum Maximum Mean* ± SD Minimum Maximum Mean* ± SD 1 Female adult Length (mm) 13.34 15.4 14.49 ± 0.77 13.12 14.8 14.08 ± 0.68 Breadth (mm) 4.2 5.1 4.49 ± 0.37 4.05 4.95 4.37 ± 0.35 Weight (mg) 107 141 126.20 ± 16.77 103.5 139.3 123.40 ± 16.02 Wing expanse (mm) 25 32.3 28.40 ± 2.70 23.4 31.25 27.13 ± 3.04 Single wing length (mm) 12.8 14.2 13.32 ± 0.58 12.3 14.05 12.99 ± 0.77 2 Male adult Length (mm) 11.7 13.8 12.69 ± 0.86 11.3 12.75 12.21 ± 0.55 Breadth (mm) 3.1 3.8 3.33 ± 0.30 3.04 3.5 3.17 ± 0.20 Weight (mg) 75.6 118 94.12 ± 19.92 73.8 115.25 92.81 ± 19.09 Wing expanse (mm) 19.7 22 20.88 ± 0.99 19.3 21.55 20.29 ± 0.94 Single wing length (mm) 11.6 12.3 11.96 ± 0.27 10.8 12.1 11.38 ± 0.66 *Mean of 10 individuals SD: Standard deviation 3.5 Biology of S. inferens on Artificial Diet and Natural Diet Table 5 outlines the developmental stages of Sesamia inferens reared on both artificial and natural diets, comparing the duration of each stage and the overall life cycle. The incubation period ranged from 4 to 6 days, with an average of 4.6 days on the artificial diet and 5 days on the natural diet. The larval period, divided into six instars, showed slight differences between the diets. The I instar lasted 4 days on the artificial diet and 4.3 days on the natural diet. The II instar was completed in 3.9 days on the artificial diet and 4.1 days on the natural diet. The III instar took 4.5 days on the artificial diet compared to 4.9 days on the natural diet. For the IV instar, larvae fed the artificial diet took 4.9 days, whereas those on the natural diet took 5.5 days. The V instar lasted 5.9 days on the artificial diet and 6.1 days on the natural diet, while the VI instar was completed in 7.4 days on the artificial diet and 7.8 days on the natural diet. Overall, the total larval period ranged from 26 to 35 days on the artificial diet, averaging 30.3 days, while larvae reared on the natural diet took between 27 and 39 days, with an average of 32.7 days. The pre-pupal period was slightly shorter on the artificial diet, lasting an average of 2.5 days, compared to 2.7 days on the natural diet. The pupal period also varied between sexes. Male pupae took 6 to 8 days on the artificial diet and 7 to 8 days on the natural diet. Female pupae took 8 to 10 days on the artificial diet and 9 to 11 days on the natural diet. On average, the pupal period lasted 7.9 days on the artificial diet and 8.6 days on the natural diet. The pre-oviposition period was slightly shorter for females reared on the artificial diet, lasting 1.4 days, compared to 1.8 days on the natural diet. The oviposition period also varied, lasting 4 to 6 days (average of 4.8 days) on the artificial diet and 5 to 7 days (average of 5.6 days) on the natural diet. Adult longevity for males averaged 5.8 days on the artificial diet and 6.2 days on the natural diet, while females lived longer, averaging 7 days on the artificial diet and 7.9 days on the natural diet. Overall, the average adult longevity was 6.4 days on the artificial diet and 7.05 days on the natural diet. The total life cycle, from egg to adult, spanned 49.5 to 68.5 days on the artificial diet, with an average of 60.7 days, while on the natural diet, the life cycle ranged from 53.5 to 75.5 days, with an average of 65.25 days. The sex ratio was close to equal on both diets, with 1 male to 1.14 females on the artificial diet and 1 male to 1.08 females on the natural diet. This indicates that the artificial diet slightly accelerated development across several life stages compared to the natural diet. Table 5 Biology of S. inferens on artificial diet and Natural diet Artificial Diet Natural Diet S. No Stage of the insect Minimum (Days) Maximum (Days) Mean* (days) ± SD Minimum (Days) Maximum (Days) Mean* (days) ± SD 1 Incubation period 4 6 4.6 ± 0.9 4 6 5 ± 0.7 2 Larval period a. I instar 3 5 4 ± 0.8 3 5 4.3 ± 1.0 b. II instar 3 5 3.9 ± 0.8 3 5 4.1 ± 0.8 c. III instar 4 5 4.5 ± 0.5 4 6 4.9 ± 0.6 d. IV instar 4 6 4.9 ± 0.9 5 7 5.5 ± 0.9 e. V instar 5 6 5.9 ± 0.7 5 7 6.1 ± 0.8 f. VI instar 7 8 7.4 ± 0.4 7 9 7.8 ± 0.5 Total larval period 26 35 30.3 ± 4.4 27 39 32.7 ± 4.5 3 Pre pupal period 2 3 2.5 ± 0.5 2 4 2.7 ± 0.8 4 Pupal period a. Male 6 8 6.8 ± 0.8 7 8 7.4 ± 0.5 b. Female 8 10 9 ± 0.7 9 11 9.8 ± 0.8 c. Average 7 9 7.9 ± 0.8 8 9.5 8.6 ± 0.7 5 Pre oviposition period 1 2 1.4 ± 0.5 1 2 1.8 ± 0.4 6 Oviposition period 4 6 4.8 ± 0.8 5 7 5.6 ± 0.9 7 Adult longevity a. Male 5 7 5.8 ± 0.8 6 7 6.2 ± 0.4 b. Female 6 8 7 ± 0.7 7 9 7.9 ± 0.7 c. Average 5.5 7.5 6.4 ± 0.8 6.5 8 7.05 ± 0.6 8 Total life cycle 49.5 68.5 60.7 ± 8.7 53.5 75.5 65.25 ± 8.7 9 Sex ratio 1:1.14 1:1.08 *Mean of 10 individuals SD: Standard deviation 4. DISCUSSION The current study offers a comprehensive analysis of the developmental and reproductive biology of Sesamia inferens reared on artificial and natural diets, providing important insights into how diet influences various life stages and reproductive traits. The findings reveal significant differences between the two dietary regimes, particularly in terms of egg morphology, larval growth, pupal development, and overall life cycle duration. Egg parameters, such as size and cluster number, differed slightly between the artificial and natural diets. The larger egg sizes observed on the artificial diet, both in length and breadth, are consistent with previous studies on other host crops, such as those by Aggarwal et al. ( 2004 ) and Rajendra ( 1976 ), which reported egg size variability across different hosts. The range of cluster sizes in this study aligns with Rajendra’s ( 1976 ) findings on sugarcane, suggesting that host plant quality and nutritional content may influence oviposition behaviour. The oviposition preferences observed in the present study, particularly the tendency of females to lay eggs in the first leaf sheath, reflect a consistent behavioural pattern previously documented by Kaur et al. ( 2015 ) on maize. Despite differences in diet, the preference for specific oviposition sites suggests that such behaviours are driven more by species-specific biological traits than by environmental conditions, such as diet. This highlights the adaptability of S. inferens , allowing it to maintain critical reproductive behaviours across different host plants and dietary regimes. However, the study also acknowledges the influence of abiotic factors, such as temperature, on fecundity, as demonstrated by the lower fecundity reported by Singh ( 2013 ) on wheat during the winter season. Larval growth and development exhibited clear differences between artificial and natural diets, with larvae reared on the artificial diet showing slightly larger sizes across all six instars. These findings are consistent with previous reports by Aggarwal et al. ( 2004 ) and Singh ( 2013 ), who documented variations in larval morphometrics on different crops. The accelerated growth observed on the artificial diet, particularly during the early instars, likely reflects the controlled nutrient composition of the artificial diet, which supports optimal larval growth. This trend has also been observed in other lepidopteran species, such as Sesamia calamistis , where artificial diets have been shown to enhance larval development (Khadioli et al., 2014 ). The larger larval sizes observed in this study, compared to those reported by Rajendra ( 1976 ) on sugarcane, could be attributed to the higher nutritional value of maize or the more controlled conditions provided by the artificial diet. The pupal stage also demonstrated differences in morphometrics and developmental duration between the two diets. Female pupae reared on artificial diets were consistently larger and heavier than those on natural diets, which aligns with previous studies by Aggarwal et al. ( 2004 ) on rice. Male pupae followed a similar pattern, with larger dimensions recorded for individuals reared on the artificial diet. These findings suggest that artificial diets provide a more nutritionally balanced environment for S. inferens , promoting more robust growth during the pupal stage. However, the study also acknowledges slight variations in pupal duration compared to earlier research, particularly in comparison to Singh's (2013) findings in wheat, which may be influenced by environmental factors such as host plant quality and seasonal conditions. Adult morphometrics revealed that both male and female S. inferens reared on artificial diets exhibited larger body sizes and wing spans than those reared on natural diets. These differences in adult size may be attributed to the enhanced nutritional value of the artificial diet, which supports more consistent growth throughout the life cycle. However, the study also points out that while artificial diets may enhance growth metrics, other environmental factors, such as temperature and host plant quality, can influence adult morphometrics, as demonstrated by Singh ( 2013 ), who reported larger adult weights in hibernating populations of S. inferens on wheat during winter. This underscores the importance of both diet and ecological factors in determining adult size and fitness. In terms of reproductive parameters, females reared on artificial diets showed shorter pre-oviposition and oviposition periods compared to those on natural diets. This may reflect the more consistent and nutrient-rich environment provided by the artificial diet, which could enhance reproductive readiness in females. These findings are in agreement with earlier work by Aggarwal et al. ( 2004 ), who documented similar reproductive timelines for S. inferens on rice, although variations in reproductive behaviour have been observed in other studies. For example, Singh ( 2013 ) reported longer pre-oviposition and oviposition periods on wheat, which may be due to the lower temperatures and less favourable environmental conditions during winter. The total life cycle duration of S. inferens was shorter on the artificial diet compared to the natural diet, with an average of 60.7 days versus 65.25 days, respectively. These findings align with previous studies by Aggarwal et al. ( 2004 ), who reported similar life cycle durations for S. inferens on rice. However, variations in life cycle duration have been noted in another research. For instance, Sehkar et al. (2005) recorded life cycle durations ranging from 40 to 83 days on maize, attributed to the prolongation of the larval period under unfavourable conditions. Similarly, Singh ( 2013 ) reported life cycle durations exceeding 116 days on wheat during winter. The shorter life cycle observed in the present study suggests that the controlled conditions provided by the artificial diet may reduce environmental stressors that could otherwise prolong development. The occurrence of six larval instars observed in this study is consistent with previous reports by Aggarwal et al. ( 2004 ) on rice, although it is noted that the number of instars can vary depending on the host plant and environmental conditions. For example, Singh ( 2013 ) and Rajendra ( 1976 ) reported eight instars in S. inferens reared on wheat and sugarcane, respectively, indicating that stress conditions or host plant quality may influence larval development. The ability of S. inferens to adjust its developmental process in response to environmental factors highlights its adaptability and resilience in different ecological contexts. 5. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the findings of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the developmental biology and growth metrics of Sesamia inferens when reared on both artificial and natural diets. The artificial diet showed a slight acceleration in development across several life stages, including the egg incubation period, larval instars, pupal stage, and adult emergence. Notably, eggs and larvae reared on the artificial diet exhibited slightly larger sizes and heavier weights compared to those on the natural diet, particularly in the later instars and pupal stages. These differences extended into adulthood, with adults reared on the artificial diet displaying marginally greater body lengths, wing spans, and overall weight than their natural diet counterparts. Moreover, the artificial diet not only shortened the developmental duration of the pre-pupal and pupal stages but also reduced the total life cycle by an average of 4.55 days compared to the natural diet. This acceleration may be advantageous for mass-rearing programs aimed at biological control or for research purposes, where rapid insect development is beneficial. The slightly skewed sex ratio observed in favour of females in both diet groups suggests that the artificial diet does not significantly disrupt the natural sex ratio balance of S. inferens populations. Overall, the results indicate that an artificial diet can effectively support the full life cycle of Sesamia inferens , offering comparable developmental outcomes to a natural diet with some advantages in terms of growth rate and size. These findings contribute valuable insights into the rearing practices of this pest species and may inform future research on optimizing artificial diets for more efficient mass-rearing protocols. References Aggarwal, R., Singh, J., & Shukla, K. K. (2004). Biology of pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens Walker on rice crop. Indian Journal of Ecology, 31, 66–67. Banerjee, S. N., & Pramanik, L. M. (1967). The lepidopterous stalk borers of rice and their life cycles in the tropics. In Major Insect Pests of the Rice Plant. Proceedings of International Symposium (pp. 160-163). International Rice Research Institute, Philippines. Deol, G. S. (2002). Latest trends for insect-pest management in wheat. Proceedings of the Specialized Workshop on Identification and Management of Weeds, Insect-Pests and Diseases in Wheat, February 20-22, 2002, CETWPT, PAU, Ludhiana, India. Kaur, J., Kumar, P., Singh, J., Suby, S. B., & Bajya, D. R. (2015). Egg laying pattern of Sesamia inferens on maize (Zea mays). Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 85, 109–113. Khadioli, N., Tonnang, Z. E. H., Ong’amo, G., Achia, T., Kipchirchir, I., Kroschel, J. and Ru, B. Le. (2014): Effect of temperature on the life history parameters of noctuid lepidopteran stem borers, Busseola fusca and Sesamia calamistis . Ann. Appl. Biol . 165, 373–386. doi:10.1111/aab.12157. Khan, Z. R., Litsinger, J. A., Barrion, A. T., Villanueva, F. F. D., Fernandez, N. J., & Taylo, L. D. (1991). World bibliography of rice stem borers. International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Philippines, 1-426. Krishnamurti, B., & Usman, S. (1952). The ragi stem borer, Sesamia inferens Walker. Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture, Mysore State, 15, 70. (Original not seen. Abstract in CAB Abstracts AN: 19550500178). Nagrajan S. Plant protection problems in rice-wheat rotation system: A perspective. Oryza. 1989; 26:329-33 (Original not seen. Abstr in CAB Abstracts AN: 19911151557). Patel, R. K. (1972). Observations on incidence of wheat stem borer, Sesamia inferens Walker. Pesticides, 6(1), 14. Pathak, M. D., & Khan, Z. R. (1994). Insect Pests of Rice. International Rice Research Institute. Rajendra, A. (1976). Studies on Sesamia inferens Wlk., the shoot-borer pest of sugarcane in Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Science Council of Sri Lanka, 4, 99–108. Sekhar, J. C., Sharma, V. K., Reddy, R. K., Chaudhary, M. L. K., & Singh, N. N. (2005). Pink stem borers (Sesamia spp.) – Major threat for tropical maize. In P. H. Zaidi & N. N. Singh (Eds.), Stresses on maize in tropics (pp. 396–435). Directorate of Maize Research, New Delhi. Selvaraj, K., Chander, S., & Prasannakumar, N. R. (2014). Determination of thermal constant and development threshold of pink borer, Sesamia inferens Walker. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India, Section B: Biological Sciences, 85, 659–662. Shahi, H. N., Sindhu, G. S., Dhaliwal, G. S., & Raina, G. L. (1983). Rice cultivation. In Communication Centre, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (pp. 31-41). Siddiqui, K. H., Sarup, P., & Marwaha, K. K. (1983). Formulation of artificial diets for mass rearing of the pink borer, Sesamia inferens Walker, in the laboratory. Singh, B. (2012). Incidence of the pink noctuid borer Sesamia inferens (Walker), on wheat under two tillage conditions and three sowing dates in northwestern plains of India. Journal of Entomology, 9(6), 368-374. Singh, B. (2013). Bionomics of pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the paddy-wheat cropping system (Doctoral dissertation, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana). Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6579048","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":451153721,"identity":"03add59a-4419-491b-a3c4-0f3595bb8f5e","order_by":0,"name":"Chethankumar M","email":"data:image/png;base64,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","orcid":"","institution":"1. ICAR- National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur 493225 2. IARI-Raipur hub, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-1100012, India","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Chethankumar","middleName":"","lastName":"M","suffix":""},{"id":451153722,"identity":"31404549-66af-4342-a40b-fe199e78d124","order_by":1,"name":"Dr. Mallikarjuna Jeer","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"1. ICAR- National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur 493225","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"Dr.","firstName":"Mallikarjuna","middleName":"","lastName":"Jeer","suffix":""},{"id":451153723,"identity":"dd3d4616-4b2c-405d-8d3f-575add947fdd","order_by":2,"name":"Dr. K. C. Sharma","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"1. ICAR- National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur 493225","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"Dr.","firstName":"K.","middleName":"C.","lastName":"Sharma","suffix":""},{"id":451153724,"identity":"3a920840-6c75-4872-81c6-c4c0f9c5d123","order_by":3,"name":"Dr. Yogesh Yele","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"1. ICAR- National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur 493225","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"Dr.","firstName":"Yogesh","middleName":"","lastName":"Yele","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-05-02 14:13:16","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":{"humanSubjects":false,"vertebrateSubjects":false,"conflictsOfInterestStatement":false,"humanSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false,"humanSubjectConsent":false,"humanSubjectClinicalTrial":false,"humanSubjectCaseReport":false,"vertebrateSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false},"doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6579048/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6579048/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":81975106,"identity":"c8ea6fd7-41e6-4e75-94b0-a85b7571a26c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-05 13:24:01","extension":"jpg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":58052,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLegend not included with this version\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6579048/v1/1f8a9d0c4c2026c16ab18f06.jpg"},{"id":81975124,"identity":"93f7eba6-03de-46bd-aa20-80cf70597b8e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-05 13:24:02","extension":"jpg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":78947,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLegend not included with this version\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6579048/v1/50b3050ff338832e46a8b867.jpg"},{"id":81975118,"identity":"386fd5fd-5dfa-4ea6-9d25-7428f6a65f48","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-05 13:24:02","extension":"jpg","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":59120,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLegend not included with this version\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6579048/v1/1252871d369ab3d950fccf64.jpg"},{"id":81975136,"identity":"ec6d1332-eca8-435a-a8df-684a93be7ba0","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-05 13:24:03","extension":"jpg","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":77359,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLegend not included with this version\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6579048/v1/762efc9e52bb75c0338ac400.jpg"},{"id":81975128,"identity":"78c9aeb3-d6ad-44bf-9e90-ff16cc22d4fb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-05 13:24:03","extension":"jpg","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":89047,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLegend not included with this version\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6579048/v1/fbae6994ad326ada40f5284c.jpg"},{"id":81975393,"identity":"4b69d446-201c-4e24-83ba-56f67c327cec","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-05 13:32:08","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1445085,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6579048/v1/6c8f0328-6245-445d-a9fa-a708eeb06a70.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"The authors declare no competing interests.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComparative Biology of \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Artificial and Natural Diets\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"1. INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe pink stem borer (PSB), \u003cem\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/em\u003e Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphagous pest with a significant impact on various graminaceous crops, posing a substantial threat to agriculture. It attacks a wide array of cereals, including rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, finger millet, pearl millet, oats, barley, and sugarcane, as well as several types of grasses (Nagarjuna, 1989; Banerjee \u0026amp; Pramanik, 2010; Khan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1991\u003c/span\u003e). The PSB was first documented in maize fields in Madras by Fletcher in 1914, later appearing in finger millet in Mysore (Krishnamurti \u0026amp; Usman, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1952\u003c/span\u003e) and wheat fields (Patel, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1972\u003c/span\u003e). Initially considered a minor pest, particularly in rice crops in Punjab (Shahi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1983\u003c/span\u003e), PSB has progressively emerged as a significant pest across multiple crops and regions (Pathak \u0026amp; Khan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1994\u003c/span\u003e). The larva of PSB, recognisable by its pinkish-brown colouration and cylindrical shape, tunnels into crop stems, feeding on internal tissues and causing significant damage. This activity results in central shoot death, a characteristic symptom known as a \"dead heart\" (Deol, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e). Furthermore, PSB infestation during the reproductive stages of crops can lead to the formation of 'white ears' indicating reduced grain production and directly impacting yields (Singh, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). Due to its capacity to attack multiple cereal crops, the pest has been referred to by various names, including Ragi stem borer, Asiatic pink stem borer, pink borer, pink rice stem borer, Gramineous stem borer, purple borer, purple stem borer, and purplish stem borer. The ability of PSB to adapt and spread across different crop types and regions makes it a significant concern for sustainable agriculture and food security in cereal-growing areas. This study aims to explore the biology of \u003cem\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/em\u003e, with a focus on its increasing threat to rice and wheat crops, particularly in the northwestern plains of India. Understanding the pest's behaviour, lifecycle, and environmental influences will be crucial for developing effective management practices to mitigate its impact on cereal crop production.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. MATERIALS AND METHODS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1 Experimental Site\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe lab experiments were carried out at SCHPR, ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, Chhattisgarh state, India during the rabi season of 2023-24 the experimental site is located at an altitude of 281.8 MSL, with a latitude of 21\u0026deg; 22\u0026rsquo; 59.79\u0026rsquo;\u0026rsquo; N and longitude of 81\u0026deg; 49\u0026rsquo; 37.28\u0026rsquo;\u0026rsquo; E, and receives an annual average rainfall of 1150 mm.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2 Collection and Mass rearing of \u003cem\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe larvae of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e were collected from maize crops at ICAR-NIBSM Raipur's experimental fields. These collected larvae of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e were mass multiplied on maize plants (natural diet), which were provided as small cut pieces of stem parts kept in jars and mass multiplied on an artificial diet (given by Siddiqui et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1983\u003c/span\u003e), and provided as small cut pieces kept in jars. The rearing conditions included maintaining a temperature of 28\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026deg;C, relative humidity between 75\u0026ndash;85%, and a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark photoperiod in a BOD chamber. Larval food was changed every two days until they pupated. After pupation, Pupa were transferred to jars containing sterile soil. After emergence, adult moths were released to an oviposition cage where they laid eggs on potted maize plants. Once eggs were deposited on maize leaf sheaths, they were carefully collected and transferred onto butter paper in Petri plates. These plates were kept in the BOD chamber until the eggs reached the blackhead stage. After the emerging F1 population were used to conduct the experiments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e2.2.1 Composition of an artificial diet for mass rearing of pink stem borer (\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003e) (\u003c/b\u003eSiddiqui et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1983\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Taba\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSl.no\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIngredients (For 500g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eQuantity (in gms)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFraction A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGreen gram flour\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWheat grain flour\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBrewer\u0026rsquo;s yeast\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSorbic acid\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVit E\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAscorbic acid\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSugar\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDried maize leaf \u0026amp; stem powder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDistilled water\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e260ml\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFraction B\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAgar-agar\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDistilled water\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e130ml\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFormaldehyde (40%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1ml\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3 Observation recorded\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.1 Egg\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe number of eggs in each cluster was recorded. The dimensions of the egg (mm) were measured with a Leica S8 APO stereo zoom microscope.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.2 Larva\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe body length and breadth were measured using a measuring scale. The weight of each instar was recorded using an electronic weighing machine (Aczel \u0026ndash; CY 224C).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.3 Pupa\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe pupae were sexed and their length, breadth, weight and duration were recorded and kept for adult emergence.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.4 Adult\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe adults emerged were sexed and the length and breadth of the body were taken. Adult pairs were released on seedlings in ovipositional cages. The adults were observed for mating and egg-laying.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.4 Statistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe mean and standard deviation of different biological parameters were calculated.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. RESULTS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Egg\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Morphometrics of the eggs of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003ctable id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMorphometrics of the eggs of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSl. No.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArtificial diet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNatural diet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEgg parameters\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLength (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.21\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBreadth (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.11\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEggs per cluster (Nos)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e152\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e120\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e134.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;13.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e166\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e132\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;14.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003ctfoot\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003e*Mean of 10 individuals SD: Standard deviation\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tfoot\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe eggs were semi-globular, dorsoventrally flattened, and exhibited radial ridges. Table 1The larva passed through six larval instars. The newly hatched larva was cream in colour with a black head. The pink colour started developing on the larval body at the second instar and by the fourth instar, the colour became prominent. presents a comparative analysis of the egg parameters of \u003cem\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/em\u003e on an artificial diet and a natural diet, highlighting differences in size, incubation period, and cluster size. The egg length on the artificial diet ranged from 0.18 mm to 0.22 mm, with an average length of 0.21 mm, slightly larger than the eggs on the natural diet, which ranged from 0.15 mm to 0.21 mm and averaged 0.19 mm. Similarly, the breadth of the eggs on the artificial diet showed minimal variation, with measurements between 0.10 mm and 0.13 mm and an average of 0.11 mm, while the eggs on the natural diet exhibited a narrower range of 0.08 mm to 0.12 mm, averaging 0.10 mm. Freshly laid eggs were creamy white, and after 48 hours, the embryo\u0026rsquo;s head became visible. At 72 hours, the eggs developed a slight pinkish tint, with the greyish head becoming more prominent. By 96 hours, the pinkish colour intensified, and at 120 hours of incubation, the eggs displayed a greyish-black and pink colouration, with the embryo\u0026apos;s black head clearly visible. Eggs were laid in batches, typically arranged in 2\u0026ndash;4 long rows. The adult females preferred laying eggs on the inner side of the first three leaf sheaths, with a particular preference for the first sheath, the number of eggs per cluster showed variation between the two diets. On the artificial diet, clusters contained between 120 and 152 eggs, with an average of 134.6 eggs per cluster. In contrast, the natural diet produced larger clusters, with egg numbers ranging from 132 to 166 and an average of 145.4 eggs per cluster.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.2 Larva\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.2.1 Morphometrics of the larva of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe larva passed through six larval instars. The newly hatched larva was cream in colour with a black head. The pink colour started developing on the larval body at the second instar, and the colour became prominent by the fourth instar. Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e compares the morphometrics of \u003cem\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/em\u003e larvae raised on artificial and natural diets across six instars, focusing on their length, width, and weight. In the first instar, larvae fed on the artificial diet showed a length range between 1.37 mm and 2.1 mm with an average of 1.79 mm, slightly larger than those fed on the natural diet, which ranged from 1.13 mm to 1.98 mm with an average length of 1.68 mm. Additionally, the width of the artificial diet larvae varied between 0.18 mm and 0.33 mm, while the natural diet group ranged between 0.17 mm and 0.28 mm. The weight difference was also noticeable, with artificial diet larvae averaging 0.156 mg compared to 0.13 mg for those on the natural diet.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAs the larvae developed into the second instar, the growth differences continued. Larvae on the artificial diet reached lengths between 3.4 mm and 4.8 mm, averaging 4.06 mm, whereas those on the natural diet ranged from 3.2 mm to 4.5 mm, with an average of 3.96 mm. The width of the second instar larvae was slightly greater on the artificial diet (0.42 mm to 0.78 mm) compared to the natural diet (0.39 mm to 0.76 mm). In terms of weight, larvae on the artificial diet averaged 3.96 mg, slightly higher than those on the natural diet, which averaged 3.85 mg.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDuring the third instar, artificial diet larvae continued to show slightly higher growth metrics. Their length ranged from 6.72 mm to 8.8 mm, averaging 7.704 mm, while those on the natural diet had a length range of 6.72 mm to 8.8 mm, averaging 7.58 mm. The width of the larvae was also marginally larger on the artificial diet, averaging 1.82 mm compared to 1.76 mm for the natural diet group. Similarly, the weight of the larvae on the artificial diet averaged 19.8 mg, compared to 18.10 mg for those on the natural diet.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAs the larvae reached the fourth instar, those on the artificial diet had a length range between 13.1 mm and 15.8 mm, with an average of 14.44 mm, while the natural diet group ranged from 12.7 mm to 15.3 mm, averaging 13.96 mm. The width of the fourth instar larvae fed on the artificial diet ranged from 1.9 mm to 2.3 mm, with an average of 2.16 mm, while the natural diet group had a slightly lower average of 2.11 mm. The weight of the fourth instar larvae showed a more significant difference, with those on the artificial diet averaging 47 mg compared to 45.32 mg on the natural diet.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn the fifth instar, larvae on the artificial diet exhibited a length range of 19.5 mm to 25.7 mm, with an average of 21.24 mm, while those on the natural diet measured between 18.6 mm and 23.1 mm, averaging 20.48 mm. The width of the artificial diet larvae averaged 2.658 mm, slightly greater than the 2.59 mm width observed in the natural diet group. The weight also showed a marked difference, with larvae on the artificial diet averaging 88.2 mg, compared to 86.60 mg on the natural diet.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003ctable id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMorphometrics of the larva of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArtificial Diet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNatural Diet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS. No\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLarval parameters\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean * \u0026plusmn; SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean * \u0026plusmn; SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI instar larva\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ea. Length (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.79\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eb. Width (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.26\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ec. Weight (Mg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eII instar larva\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ea. Length (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.06\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eb. Width (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.59\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ec. Weight (Mg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.85\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIII instar larva\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ea. Length (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.72\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.70\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.80\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.72\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.58\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eb. Width (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.82\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ec. Weight (Mg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIV instar larva\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ea. Length (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.44\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eb. Width (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.11\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ec. Weight (Mg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e54.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45.32\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eV instar larva\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ea. Length (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.24\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.94\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.48\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eb. Width (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.658\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.59\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ec. Weight (Mg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e82.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e88.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e86.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVI instar larva\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ea. Length (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eb. Width (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.636\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.54\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ec. Weight (Mg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e128.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e150\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e140.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e125.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e147.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e137.32\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003ctfoot\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003e*Mean of 10 individuals SD: Standard deviation\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tfoot\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn the final, sixth instar, the larvae on the artificial diet had a length range of 26.45 mm to 28.8 mm, averaging 27.966 mm, while those on the natural diet ranged from 25.8 mm to 27.9 mm, averaging 26.97 mm. The width of the sixth instar larvae on the artificial diet varied between 3.4 mm and 3.9 mm, with an average of 3.636 mm, slightly higher than the natural diet group\u0026rsquo;s average of 3.54 mm. In terms of weight, the sixth instar larvae on the artificial diet showed an average weight of 140.2 mg, which was slightly higher than the 137.32 mg average of the larvae on the natural diet.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.3 Pupa\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.3.1 Morphometrics of the Pupa of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe pre-pupa gradually changed to obtect pupa. Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e compares the morphometric characteristics of female and male \u003cem\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/em\u003e pupae reared on artificial and natural diets, focusing on their length, width, and weight. Female pupae raised on the artificial diet had a length ranging from 13.4 mm to 15.7 mm, with an average of 14.69 mm, which was slightly higher than those reared on the natural diet, where the length ranged from 13.1 mm to 15.25 mm, averaging 14.13 mm. Similarly, the width of the female pupae on the artificial diet varied between 3.43 mm and 4.2 mm, with an average of 3.91 mm, while those on the natural diet had a width range of 3.14 mm to 4.05 mm, averaging 3.80 mm. The weight of the female pupae also showed a slight difference, with artificial diet pupae averaging 142.20 mg compared to 140.60 mg on the natural diet.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFor the male pupae, those raised on the artificial diet had a length range between 11.9 mm and 13.7 mm, with an average of 12.62 mm, which was marginally higher than those on the natural diet, where the length ranged from 11.35 mm to 13.2 mm, with an average of 12.25 mm. The width of the male pupae on the artificial diet ranged from 2.3 mm to 3.7 mm, averaging 3.04 mm, while those on the natural diet had a width range of 2.1 mm to 3.6 mm, with an average of 2.90 mm. In terms of weight, male pupae on the artificial diet averaged 121.40 mg, slightly higher than those reared on the natural diet, which had an average weight of 118.80 mg.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.4 Adult\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.4.1Morphometrics of the Adults of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe colour of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e varied from light straw to medium brown. Males had smaller body size than females. Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e presents the morphometric characteristics of adult female and male \u003cem\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/em\u003e reared on artificial and natural diets, focusing on parameters such as body length, breadth, weight, wing expanse, and single wing length. Female adults reared on the artificial diet showed a body length ranging from 13.34 mm to 15.4 mm, with an average of 14.49 mm, slightly larger than those reared on the natural diet, which ranged from 13.12 mm to 14.8 mm, with an average of 14.08 mm. The breadth of female adults varied between 4.2 mm and 5.1 mm on the artificial diet, averaging 4.49 mm, compared to 4.05 mm to 4.95 mm on the natural diet, with an average of 4.37 mm. The weight of female adults on the artificial diet ranged from 107 mg to 141 mg, with an average of 126.20 mg, while on the natural diet, it ranged from 103.5 mg to 139.3 mg, with an average of 123.40 mg. The wing expanse of females was also greater on the artificial diet, ranging from 25 mm to 32.3 mm, averaging 28.40 mm, compared to the natural diet, where the expanse ranged from 23.4 mm to 31.25 mm, averaging 27.13 mm. The single wing length in females was slightly larger on the artificial diet, averaging 13.32 mm compared to 12.99 mm on the natural diet.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale adults reared on the artificial diet had a body length ranging from 11.7 mm to 13.8 mm, with an average of 12.69 mm, which was slightly higher than those reared on the natural diet, where the length ranged from 11.3 mm to 12.75 mm, averaging 12.21 mm. The breadth of male adults on the artificial diet ranged from 3.1 mm to 3.8 mm, with an average of 3.33 mm, while on the natural diet, the breadth ranged from 3.04 mm to 3.5 mm, averaging 3.17 mm. The weight of males on the artificial diet ranged from 75.6 mg to 118 mg, with an average of 94.12 mg, slightly higher than those reared on the natural diet, where the weight ranged from 73.8 mg to 115.25 mg, with an average of 92.81 mg. The wing expanse of males was greater on the artificial diet, ranging from 19.7 mm to 22 mm, with an average of 20.88 mm, compared to 19.3 mm to 21.55 mm on the natural diet, where the average was 20.29 mm. The single wing length of males on the artificial diet averaged 11.96 mm, slightly longer than the 11.38 mm average on the natural diet.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3. Morphometrics of the Pupa of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tabe\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArtificial Diet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNatural Diet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS. No\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePupal parameters\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean* \u0026plusmn; SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean* \u0026plusmn; SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFemale pupa\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ea. Length (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.69\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eb. Width (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.43\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.91\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ec. Weight (mg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e139\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e147.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e142.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.63\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e135.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e140.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMale pupa\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ea. Length (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.79\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eb. Width (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ec. Weight (mg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e110\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e127\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e121.40\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e108\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e125\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e118.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003ctfoot\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003e*Mean of 10 individuals SD: Standard deviation\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tfoot\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003ctable id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMorphometrics of the Adults of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArtificial Diet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNatural Diet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS. No\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAdult parameters\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean* \u0026plusmn; SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean* \u0026plusmn; SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFemale adult\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLength (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.49\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.77\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.08\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBreadth (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.49\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeight (mg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e107\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e141\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e126.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16.77\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e103.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e139.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e123.40\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWing expanse (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.40\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSingle wing length (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.32\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.77\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMale adult\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLength (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.69\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.21\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBreadth (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeight (mg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e118\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e94.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;19.92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e115.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92.81\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;19.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWing expanse (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.29\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.94\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSingle wing length (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003ctfoot\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003e*Mean of 10 individuals SD: Standard deviation\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tfoot\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.5 Biology of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e on Artificial Diet and Natural Diet\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTable \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e outlines the developmental stages of \u003cem\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/em\u003e reared on both artificial and natural diets, comparing the duration of each stage and the overall life cycle. The incubation period ranged from 4 to 6 days, with an average of 4.6 days on the artificial diet and 5 days on the natural diet. The larval period, divided into six instars, showed slight differences between the diets. The I instar lasted 4 days on the artificial diet and 4.3 days on the natural diet. The II instar was completed in 3.9 days on the artificial diet and 4.1 days on the natural diet. The III instar took 4.5 days on the artificial diet compared to 4.9 days on the natural diet. For the IV instar, larvae fed the artificial diet took 4.9 days, whereas those on the natural diet took 5.5 days. The V instar lasted 5.9 days on the artificial diet and 6.1 days on the natural diet, while the VI instar was completed in 7.4 days on the artificial diet and 7.8 days on the natural diet. Overall, the total larval period ranged from 26 to 35 days on the artificial diet, averaging 30.3 days, while larvae reared on the natural diet took between 27 and 39 days, with an average of 32.7 days.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe pre-pupal period was slightly shorter on the artificial diet, lasting an average of 2.5 days, compared to 2.7 days on the natural diet. The pupal period also varied between sexes. Male pupae took 6 to 8 days on the artificial diet and 7 to 8 days on the natural diet. Female pupae took 8 to 10 days on the artificial diet and 9 to 11 days on the natural diet. On average, the pupal period lasted 7.9 days on the artificial diet and 8.6 days on the natural diet.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe pre-oviposition period was slightly shorter for females reared on the artificial diet, lasting 1.4 days, compared to 1.8 days on the natural diet. The oviposition period also varied, lasting 4 to 6 days (average of 4.8 days) on the artificial diet and 5 to 7 days (average of 5.6 days) on the natural diet. Adult longevity for males averaged 5.8 days on the artificial diet and 6.2 days on the natural diet, while females lived longer, averaging 7 days on the artificial diet and 7.9 days on the natural diet. Overall, the average adult longevity was 6.4 days on the artificial diet and 7.05 days on the natural diet.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe total life cycle, from egg to adult, spanned 49.5 to 68.5 days on the artificial diet, with an average of 60.7 days, while on the natural diet, the life cycle ranged from 53.5 to 75.5 days, with an average of 65.25 days. The sex ratio was close to equal on both diets, with 1 male to 1.14 females on the artificial diet and 1 male to 1.08 females on the natural diet. This indicates that the artificial diet slightly accelerated development across several life stages compared to the natural diet.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\" class=\"fr-table-selection-hover\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBiology of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e on artificial diet and Natural diet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArtificial Diet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNatural Diet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS. No\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStage of the insect\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMinimum (Days)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximum (Days)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean* (days)\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMinimum (Days)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximum (Days)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean* (days)\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIncubation period\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarval period\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ea.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eI instar\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eb.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eII instar\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ec.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIII instar\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ed.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIV instar\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ee.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eV instar\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ef.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVI instar\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal larval period\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePre pupal period\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePupal period\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ea. Male\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eb. Female\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ec. Average\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePre oviposition period\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOviposition period\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult longevity\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ea. Male\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eb. Female\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ec. Average\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal life cycle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e68.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e65.25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSex ratio\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1:1.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1:1.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003ctfoot\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003e*Mean of 10 individuals SD: Standard deviation\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tfoot\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe current study offers a comprehensive analysis of the developmental and reproductive biology of \u003cem\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/em\u003e reared on artificial and natural diets, providing important insights into how diet influences various life stages and reproductive traits. The findings reveal significant differences between the two dietary regimes, particularly in terms of egg morphology, larval growth, pupal development, and overall life cycle duration.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEgg parameters, such as size and cluster number, differed slightly between the artificial and natural diets. The larger egg sizes observed on the artificial diet, both in length and breadth, are consistent with previous studies on other host crops, such as those by Aggarwal et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e) and Rajendra (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1976\u003c/span\u003e), which reported egg size variability across different hosts. The range of cluster sizes in this study aligns with Rajendra\u0026rsquo;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1976\u003c/span\u003e) findings on sugarcane, suggesting that host plant quality and nutritional content may influence oviposition behaviour.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe oviposition preferences observed in the present study, particularly the tendency of females to lay eggs in the first leaf sheath, reflect a consistent behavioural pattern previously documented by Kaur et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e) on maize. Despite differences in diet, the preference for specific oviposition sites suggests that such behaviours are driven more by species-specific biological traits than by environmental conditions, such as diet. This highlights the adaptability of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e, allowing it to maintain critical reproductive behaviours across different host plants and dietary regimes. However, the study also acknowledges the influence of abiotic factors, such as temperature, on fecundity, as demonstrated by the lower fecundity reported by Singh (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e) on wheat during the winter season.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLarval growth and development exhibited clear differences between artificial and natural diets, with larvae reared on the artificial diet showing slightly larger sizes across all six instars. These findings are consistent with previous reports by Aggarwal et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e) and Singh (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e), who documented variations in larval morphometrics on different crops. The accelerated growth observed on the artificial diet, particularly during the early instars, likely reflects the controlled nutrient composition of the artificial diet, which supports optimal larval growth. This trend has also been observed in other lepidopteran species, such as \u003cem\u003eSesamia calamistis\u003c/em\u003e, where artificial diets have been shown to enhance larval development (Khadioli et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). The larger larval sizes observed in this study, compared to those reported by Rajendra (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1976\u003c/span\u003e) on sugarcane, could be attributed to the higher nutritional value of maize or the more controlled conditions provided by the artificial diet.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe pupal stage also demonstrated differences in morphometrics and developmental duration between the two diets. Female pupae reared on artificial diets were consistently larger and heavier than those on natural diets, which aligns with previous studies by Aggarwal et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e) on rice. Male pupae followed a similar pattern, with larger dimensions recorded for individuals reared on the artificial diet. These findings suggest that artificial diets provide a more nutritionally balanced environment for \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e, promoting more robust growth during the pupal stage. However, the study also acknowledges slight variations in pupal duration compared to earlier research, particularly in comparison to Singh's (2013) findings in wheat, which may be influenced by environmental factors such as host plant quality and seasonal conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdult morphometrics revealed that both male and female \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e reared on artificial diets exhibited larger body sizes and wing spans than those reared on natural diets. These differences in adult size may be attributed to the enhanced nutritional value of the artificial diet, which supports more consistent growth throughout the life cycle. However, the study also points out that while artificial diets may enhance growth metrics, other environmental factors, such as temperature and host plant quality, can influence adult morphometrics, as demonstrated by Singh (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e), who reported larger adult weights in hibernating populations of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e on wheat during winter. This underscores the importance of both diet and ecological factors in determining adult size and fitness.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn terms of reproductive parameters, females reared on artificial diets showed shorter pre-oviposition and oviposition periods compared to those on natural diets. This may reflect the more consistent and nutrient-rich environment provided by the artificial diet, which could enhance reproductive readiness in females. These findings are in agreement with earlier work by Aggarwal et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e), who documented similar reproductive timelines for \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e on rice, although variations in reproductive behaviour have been observed in other studies. For example, Singh (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e) reported longer pre-oviposition and oviposition periods on wheat, which may be due to the lower temperatures and less favourable environmental conditions during winter.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe total life cycle duration of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e was shorter on the artificial diet compared to the natural diet, with an average of 60.7 days versus 65.25 days, respectively. These findings align with previous studies by Aggarwal et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e), who reported similar life cycle durations for \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e on rice. However, variations in life cycle duration have been noted in another research. For instance, Sehkar et al. (2005) recorded life cycle durations ranging from 40 to 83 days on maize, attributed to the prolongation of the larval period under unfavourable conditions. Similarly, Singh (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e) reported life cycle durations exceeding 116 days on wheat during winter. The shorter life cycle observed in the present study suggests that the controlled conditions provided by the artificial diet may reduce environmental stressors that could otherwise prolong development.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe occurrence of six larval instars observed in this study is consistent with previous reports by Aggarwal et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e) on rice, although it is noted that the number of instars can vary depending on the host plant and environmental conditions. For example, Singh (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e) and Rajendra (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1976\u003c/span\u003e) reported eight instars in \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e reared on wheat and sugarcane, respectively, indicating that stress conditions or host plant quality may influence larval development. The ability of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e to adjust its developmental process in response to environmental factors highlights its adaptability and resilience in different ecological contexts.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. CONCLUSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, the findings of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the developmental biology and growth metrics of \u003cem\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/em\u003e when reared on both artificial and natural diets. The artificial diet showed a slight acceleration in development across several life stages, including the egg incubation period, larval instars, pupal stage, and adult emergence. Notably, eggs and larvae reared on the artificial diet exhibited slightly larger sizes and heavier weights compared to those on the natural diet, particularly in the later instars and pupal stages. These differences extended into adulthood, with adults reared on the artificial diet displaying marginally greater body lengths, wing spans, and overall weight than their natural diet counterparts. Moreover, the artificial diet not only shortened the developmental duration of the pre-pupal and pupal stages but also reduced the total life cycle by an average of 4.55 days compared to the natural diet. This acceleration may be advantageous for mass-rearing programs aimed at biological control or for research purposes, where rapid insect development is beneficial. The slightly skewed sex ratio observed in favour of females in both diet groups suggests that the artificial diet does not significantly disrupt the natural sex ratio balance of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e populations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall, the results indicate that an artificial diet can effectively support the full life cycle of \u003cem\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/em\u003e, offering comparable developmental outcomes to a natural diet with some advantages in terms of growth rate and size. These findings contribute valuable insights into the rearing practices of this pest species and may inform future research on optimizing artificial diets for more efficient mass-rearing protocols.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggarwal, R., Singh, J., \u0026amp; Shukla, K. K. (2004). Biology of pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens Walker on rice crop. Indian Journal of Ecology, 31, 66\u0026ndash;67.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBanerjee, S. N., \u0026amp; Pramanik, L. M. (1967). The lepidopterous stalk borers of rice and their life cycles in the tropics. In Major Insect Pests of the Rice Plant. Proceedings of International Symposium (pp. 160-163). International Rice Research Institute, Philippines.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeol, G. S. (2002). Latest trends for insect-pest management in wheat. Proceedings of the Specialized Workshop on Identification and Management of Weeds, Insect-Pests and Diseases in Wheat, February 20-22, 2002, CETWPT, PAU, Ludhiana, India.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKaur, J., Kumar, P., Singh, J., Suby, S. B., \u0026amp; Bajya, D. R. (2015). Egg laying pattern of Sesamia inferens on maize (Zea mays). Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 85, 109\u0026ndash;113.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKhadioli, N., Tonnang, Z. E. H., Ong\u0026rsquo;amo, G., Achia, T., Kipchirchir, I., Kroschel, J. and Ru, B. Le. (2014): Effect of temperature on the life history parameters of noctuid lepidopteran stem borers, \u003cem\u003eBusseola fusca\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eSesamia calamistis\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003eAnn. Appl. Biol\u003c/em\u003e. 165, 373\u0026ndash;386. doi:10.1111/aab.12157.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKhan, Z. R., Litsinger, J. A., Barrion, A. T., Villanueva, F. F. D., Fernandez, N. J., \u0026amp; Taylo, L. D. (1991). World bibliography of rice stem borers. International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Philippines, 1-426.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKrishnamurti, B., \u0026amp; Usman, S. (1952). The ragi stem borer, Sesamia inferens Walker. Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture, Mysore State, 15, 70. (Original not seen. Abstract in CAB Abstracts AN: 19550500178).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNagrajan S. Plant protection problems in rice-wheat rotation system: A perspective. Oryza. 1989; 26:329-33 (Original not seen. Abstr in CAB Abstracts AN: 19911151557).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePatel, R. K. (1972). Observations on incidence of wheat stem borer, Sesamia inferens Walker. Pesticides, 6(1), 14.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePathak, M. D., \u0026amp; Khan, Z. R. (1994). Insect Pests of Rice. International Rice Research Institute.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRajendra, A. (1976). Studies on Sesamia inferens Wlk., the shoot-borer pest of sugarcane in Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Science Council of Sri Lanka, 4, 99\u0026ndash;108.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSekhar, J. C., Sharma, V. K., Reddy, R. K., Chaudhary, M. L. K., \u0026amp; Singh, N. N. (2005). Pink stem borers (Sesamia spp.) \u0026ndash; Major threat for tropical maize. In P. H. Zaidi \u0026amp; N. N. Singh (Eds.), Stresses on maize in tropics (pp. 396\u0026ndash;435). Directorate of Maize Research, New Delhi.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSelvaraj, K., Chander, S., \u0026amp; Prasannakumar, N. R. (2014). Determination of thermal constant and development threshold of pink borer, Sesamia inferens Walker. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India, Section B: Biological Sciences, 85, 659\u0026ndash;662.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShahi, H. N., Sindhu, G. S., Dhaliwal, G. S., \u0026amp; Raina, G. L. (1983). Rice cultivation. In Communication Centre, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (pp. 31-41).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSiddiqui, K. H., Sarup, P., \u0026amp; Marwaha, K. K. (1983). Formulation of artificial diets for mass rearing of the pink borer, \u003cem\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/em\u003e Walker, in the laboratory.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSingh, B. (2012). Incidence of the pink noctuid borer Sesamia inferens (Walker), on wheat under two tillage conditions and three sowing dates in northwestern plains of India. Journal of Entomology, 9(6), 368-374.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSingh, B. (2013). Bionomics of pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the paddy-wheat cropping system (Doctoral dissertation, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"National Institute of Biotic Stress management","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":true,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Sesamia inferens, life cycle, biology, artificial diet, pink stem borer","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6579048/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6579048/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe biology of \u003cem\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/em\u003e (Walker) was investigated under controlled conditions of 28\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026deg;C, with relative humidity ranging from 75\u0026ndash;85%, and a photoperiod of 12 hours light followed by 12 hours dark, using a BOD chamber. The study was conducted on both an artificial diet and a natural diet. This study investigates the developmental biology and reproductive parameters of \u003cem\u003eSesamia inferens\u003c/em\u003e when reared on artificial and natural diets, comparing key aspects such as egg size, larval growth, pupal development, adult morphometrics, and overall life cycle duration. The eggs of \u003cem\u003eS. inferens\u003c/em\u003e on the artificial diet were slightly larger, with an average length of 0.21 mm and breadth of 0.11 mm, compared to those on the natural diet, which averaged 0.19 mm in length and 0.10 mm in breadth. Egg clusters on the natural diet contained more eggs, averaging 145.4 eggs per cluster compared to 134.6 on the artificial diet. Larvae on the artificial diet exhibited marginally faster growth across all six instars, with slightly greater length, width, and weight than larvae on the natural diet. Similarly, pupae reared on the artificial diet were larger and heavier than those on the natural diet, with female pupae averaging 14.69 mm in length and 142.20 mg in weight on the artificial diet versus 14.13 mm and 140.60 mg on the natural diet. The total larval period was shorter on the artificial diet, averaging 30.3 days compared to 32.7 days on the natural diet. The adult stage also showed minor differences, with females and males reared on the artificial diet exhibiting slightly greater body length, breadth, and weight. Adult longevity was shorter on the artificial diet, with males living an average of 5.8 days and females 7 days, compared to 6.2 and 7.9 days, respectively, on the natural diet. Overall, the life cycle duration was shorter on the artificial diet, averaging 60.7 days compared to 65.25 days on the natural diet. These findings suggest that while the artificial diet accelerates development and increases certain growth parameters, the natural diet supports slightly higher fecundity and longer adult longevity.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Comparative Biology of Sesamia inferens(Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Artificial and Natural Diets","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-05-05 13:23:44","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6579048/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"b1ba8d9f-b471-4b4a-b478-b141beef03c1","owner":[],"postedDate":"May 5th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":48000041,"name":"Entomology"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-05-05T13:23:44+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-05-05 13:23:44","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6579048","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6579048","identity":"rs-6579048","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}