MICROSTRUCTURE AND LIFE CYCLE OF METISA PLANA WALKER (LEPIDOPTERA: PSYCHIDAE)
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Date
2011
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Sustainability Science and Management
Abstract
The Metisa plana (Lepidoptera: Psychidae), is an important defoliator of oil palm in
Southeast Asia. Severe defoliation on palm consequently affects the productivity. The rearing protocol,
microstructure, behaviour and life cycle of all stages of M. plana are described. The life cycle of M.
plana from egg to adult in this controlled rearing environment was 103.5 days. The larvae of M. plana
in this study undergo six larval instars. The larva started feeding immediately upon being laid on the
leaf surface. In the larval period, the 1st instar took 9 – 16 days to change into 2nd instar. As the larva
developed, it used lichen to build a case that it wore as it fed and grew. The development duration
from 2nd instar to 3rd instar was 14 – 17 days. The 3rd instar took the longest period at 16 – 18 days
to develop into 4th instar. Development of subsequent instar stages 4th to 5th and 5th to 6th were slightly
shorter, between 10 – 15 days and 12 – 16 days respectively. In total, development of 1st through 6th
instar stage of M. plana was 71.5 days.
Description
Keywords
Metisa plana, oil palm, microstructure, life cycle