Host preference of Trilocha varians (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

Leaf eating caterpillar Trilocha varians (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) is a serious pest of Ficus spp. (Ficusbenghalensis, F. infectoria, F. benjamina, F. religiosa, F. elastica). Larvae of T. varians feed on all partsof plants (leaves, twigs, branches) which ultimately caused 80-90% defoliation and even death of plant.Current study was conducted to check the most preferable host plant for this pest. Results showed that F.benjamina and F. virens hosts while Morus alba and Ficus elastica were not fed by larvae. Total developmentperiod from egg to male on F. benjamina took (25.99± 1.12d) days followed by F. virens (27.33± 1.21d)and F. religiosa (19.91± 1.11d). While developmental period from egg to female adult was on F. benjamina(29.78± 1.99d) followed by F. virens (30.88± 1.67d) and F. religiosa (21.78± 1.60d).