Survival fitness and cannibalism ofSpodoptera frugiperda in the absence of food underlaboratory condition

Abstract

Studies on cannibalism of Spodoptera frugiperdain absenceof food revealed that, there was no cannibalism in egg stage and 1stinstar larval stage. When the same larval instars were allowed forinteraction, there was less cannibalism compared to interactionbetween the different instars of larvae. A high rate of cannibalism wasobserved in the absence of food. Within 6 hrs of exposure, 68 per centof cannibalism was recorded in case of 2nd instar larvae compared to40 and 24 per cent in 3rd instar and 4th instar larvae, respectively. Ashigh as 46 per cent cannibalism was noticed in 4th instar v/s late instarlarval treatments within 6 hrs of interaction. The highest cannibalismwas registered in case of 2nd instar larvae followed by 3rd instar and 4thinstar larval treatments within 6 hrs of exposure. Because of no foodcondition, the larvae inevitably fed on other instar larvae to survive.