Biology of the Root-Attacking Moth, Isoceras sibirica Alpheraky

The root-attacking moth, Isoceras sibirica Alpheraky (Lepidoptera: Cossidae), is a pest of the food crop Asparagus officinalis Linn, and can seriously affect yield. Data for this study were collected from both the laboratory and in the field over a 3-year period (2009 - 2011). Periods for egg incubation and pupal stage ranged from 24.49 ± 4.92 to 28.82 ± 4.35, 19.79 ± 4.11 to 21.32 ± 3.46 days, respectively. Larval weight during the developmental period was described by the equation: y = 0.0109e0.1888x. An average longevity of 6.3 days was observed for male and 5.1 days for female adults. A forewing wingspan of 52.4 ± 0.83 mm and 45.2 ± 0.89 mm was observed for females and males, respectively. This study provides a basis for biological pest control of Isoceras sibirica.