Interactive effect of diet and temperature on instar numbers in Spodoptera litura, with reference to head capsule width and weight

•Effects of diet and temperature on instar numbers of Spodoptera litura were studied.•The number of instars varied as diets and temperatures were changed.•Head capsule width could be used to determine the developmental stage.

The effects of diet and temperature on instar numbers and head capsule width in Spodoptera litura F. were compared among individuals reared on an artificial diet, lettuce and perilla leaves at 25 and 30 °C. The number of instars that the insect completed varied as diet and temperature were changed. All the larvae developed through seven instars at 25 °C regardless of diet, but at 30 °C, the number of instars varied depending on the diet. All larvae fed on lettuce leaves had six instars, while larvae fed on the artificial diet passed through seven instars. On perilla, 52% of larval individuals had six instars, and the rest had seven instars. Head capsule width could be used effectively to determine the developmental stage of individual larvae. The frequency distribution of head capsule width showed six or seven distinct peaks, depending on diet and temperature conditions. The relationship between mean head capsule width and weight of larvae was described using an exponential model.

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