The biology of <i>Epiplema albida</i> (Hampson, 1891) (Lepidoptera, Uraniidae, Epipleminae) on Sri Lankan Privet, <i>Ligustrum robustum</i> (Roxb.) Blume subsp. <i>walkeri</i> (Decne.) P. S. Green (Oleaceae)
Authors
Matthew J. W. Cock
Richard H. Shaw
Keywords:
Epipleminae, Oleaceae, Sri Lanka, parasitoid
Abstract
The biology of Epiplema albida (Hampson, 1891) (Lepidoptera: Uraniidae, Epipleminae) from Sri Lanka, was studied as part of an evaluation of its suitability for use as a biological control agent for Sri Lankan Privet, Ligustrum robustum (Roxb.) Blume subsp. walkeri (Decne.) P. S. Green (Oleaceae) in the Mascarene Islands. The life cycle of E. albida is documented: females lay an average of 80 eggs, the larva has four instars and feeds on leaves, and the life cycle from egg to imago is usually completed in 34 days.
