Abstract
Noorda blitealis is a phytophagous insect that causes major losses to Moringa growers worldwide. This study was conducted to determine the bio-ecology of its larvae. A mass rearing was carried out in Central Agricultural Entomology Laboratory located in Kamboinsin, Ouagadougou from July to December 2021. Parameters such as eggs incubation period, number of larval instars and their duration, body length and color, number of Moringa folioles attacked and survival rate were collected. Results showed that Noorda blitealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) passed into 5 larval instars before pupating. First instar larva averaged 2.4 ± 0.8 mm in length and were light green. At the 5th instar, these larvae reach 10.8 ± 0.4 mm and their bodies take on a reddish appearance. The average egg incubation was 3.00 ± 0.35 days. Larvae and chrysalis duration phases were respectively, 10.61 ± 2.28 days and 9.78 ± 0.42 days. The larval survival rate reaches 100% for 3rd to 5th instar. A statistically significant difference was found between leaf attacked rates and larval instars (p = 0.001). Larvae in their 6th and 7th days attacked the greatest number of folioles. These data could be used to develop effective biological control methods against this insect pest.