Life history of Papilio Polytes Romulus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) on Murraya Koenigii (Curry leaf), an economically important medicinal plant in Jammu

Abstract

Papilio polytes romulus has been recorded as a serious pest of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. in Jammu region of J.&K. State during the survey conducted from March 2008 to February 2009. Caterpillars cause tremendous loss by defoliating young and tender leaves of host plant. The pest occurs throughout the year. A comparative analysis of its luife history during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods was conducted under laboratory conditions which indicated that it takes an average of 27.0+0.86 days and 32.93+0.14 days for the completion of one generation i.e. egg to adult during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods respectively. Observations on the mean developmental period of various life stages during pre-monsoon period such as incubation, total larval period, pupal period, adult longevity was recorded as 3.2+ 0.27 days, 13.87+1.47 days, 9.4+0.57days, 6.4+0.54 days respectively. However, during post-monsoon period these stages viz. incubation, total larval period, pupal period, adult longevity was found to last for an average of 4.12+0.25 days, 18.18+1.50 days, 10.33+0.51 days, 7.2+0.50 days respectively. Feeding behaviour, extent and mode of damage caused to Murraya koenigii by caterpillars of Papilio polytes romulus was also recorded.