Biological parameters of tobacco budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) reared on corn cobs at different temperatures

ABSTRACT The tobacco budworm Chloridea (Heliothis) virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has been recently reported in corn crops. However, there is no information regarding the biology of this species feeding on cobs. Additionally, relationship between temperature and habits important to project adaptation insect crops at different times regions. This study aimed investigate development C. cobs, under controlled laboratory conditions, three temperatures (25 ± 1 ºC, 28 ºC 31 ºC). Although adult budworms were observed all temperatures, larval period was reduced resulting a lower grain consumption. On other hand, biological parameters such as pupal viability, weight sex ratio did not vary with temperature. During stage, similar fecundity recorded temperatures; however, egg viability zero. optimal for 25 ºC. affects eggs development, preventing next generation budworms.