Biology, larva chaetotaxy and description of the pupa and adult of a tomato pinworn

Abstract

The biology of a tomato pinworn, Scrobipalpula absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) in plants of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) was studied in laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Eggs, larvae, pupae and adults were measured, weighted and had the incubation period, developmental time and longevity recorded. The larvae chaetotaxy, the pupae, and the male and female genitalia are schematically presented. In addition, the species behaviour in greenhouse and in the field is briefly discussed.