Rearing Method for Ascotis selenaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) using an Artificial Diet

This study was conducted to develop an artificial diet for the mugwort looper, Ascotis selenaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), which is an insect pest to leaves of citrus (Citrus unshiu). Corn and soybean powder were selected as main nutrient sources for larvae of A. selenaria after several diets consisted of wheat germ, corn, kidney bean and/or soybean were tested for larval development and survival. A higher amount of the main nutrients in the diet increased the larval survivorship. Addition of yeast and cholesterol in diet increased the larval survivorship. Finally the composition of diet was decided as followings; corn 100 g, soybean 100 g agar 25 g, Brewers` yeast 30 g, cholesterol 0.5 g, Vanderzant vitamin mixture 2 g, Wesson`s salt mixture 2 g, sorbic acid 2 g, ascorbic acid 2 g, and methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate 2.5 g, and distilled water 1 liter. Development periods of larvae and pupae, survival rate and fecundity of A. selenaria reared on the diet were not significantly different with those on the host plant, citrus leaves. Larvae of early instars were reared in a group, while larvae of later instars (5-6th) were reared individually. Adult mating was conducted in a plastic cage and an oilpaper covered with a gauze was provided as an oviposition site.