Biology of Blue Butterfly, Euchrysops cneajus Fab. as a Pest of Tur, Cajanus cajan Millsp.

Abstract

The species of Euchrysops eneajus Fab. was recorded for the first time in Gujarat State. Biology of this pest was studied in detail under the laboratory conditions during the year 1974-75. The egg period was on an average 3.85 days. There were four dis. tinct instars and duration of each instar was on an average 3.10, 3.02, 1.94 and 2.13 days respectively. The total larval period was 10.33 days with a range of 8.03 to 13.06 days. The prepupal and pupal periods were 2.12 and 5.98 days respectively. The Pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods varied from 1 to 10., 1 to 7 and 1 to 5 days respectively. The female adult laid on an average 32.22 eggs during its life span. The male and female adults survived for 5.69 and 9.55 days on an average respectively. Damage on host has been described. D.lablab was observed to be the best host for the pest. The field parasites of the same collected were identified.