Biology and morphological description of Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley (Lepidoptera: Gracillaridiae): a serious pest of litchi

Abstract

Abstract Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) is a serious pest of litchi. After hatching, the larvae immediately entre into the fruit, pierce its peduncle, and feed on the soft tissue within. This leads to poor fruit quality and fruit drop after infestation. Understanding the life history and identification characters of C. sinensis is, therefore essential for developing effective management strategies. In order to perform different research studies on this pest, a study was done to first standardize the laboratory rearing procedures for C. sinensis in 2021 and 2022. Insect rearing cages was developed where fresh litchi fruits and 10 per cent honey solution were employed as food for larvae and adults. Results indicated that C. sinensis can be reared successfully under controlled conditions at 25 ± 2°C temperature with high relative humidity (75–85%) RH. Significant difference was observed in number of eggs laid on different treatments provide in the multi choice condition. Laboratory-reared female moths laid on an average 82.2 ± 1.87 yellowish transparent eggs, in an ordered manner. Observations on pupation showed that C. sinensis always tend to pupate on the paper cards with folded angles. C sinensis completed its life cycle in 32.75 ± 0.9 and 30.8 ± 0.70 days under field and laboratory condition, respectively. C. sinensis adult and pupae showed remarkable sexual dimorphisms. This study provides baseline information about the rearing techniques, biology and morphological identification of C. sinensis. Apart from being an important reference point for future research on the litchi fruit borer, the data provided would aid C. sinensis management decision-making