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

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.