Abstract

The 28 spotted ladybeetle, Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Fabricius is a stern pest of solanceous crops all over the world. An experiment was conducted to study oviposition as well as adult emergence of this species of ladybird when fed on the leaves of a weed, Coccinia grandis (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae). Egg laying was noticed when the adults were fed on the leaves of the weed. Food and its quality were found to have significant effect on oviposition (F=591.63). Age of female showed a profound effect on the total number of eggs laid by her (F=1.436). The ratio of the total number of eggs laid and the total number of adults emerged was also significant (χ²=830.26). Our study wraps up that C. grandis can be used as an alternative food for E. vigintioctopunctata.

Key words: Epilachna vigintioctopunctata, Coccinia grandis, oviposition, eggs.