Life history and biology of Diloba caeruleocephala (Figure of eight) (Lepidoptera; noctuidae)

Diloba caeruleocephala (L.) is an important pest in fruit-growing areas of Turkey where its hosts include almond, apple, pear, plum, peach, apricot, and cherry. We studied the life history of this species using Amygdalus communis L. (Rosacae) as its host at 26 degrees C, 60 5\% RH, with 16: 8 (L: D) photoperiod and fluorescent lighting in the laboratory. Their eggs are laid in clusters on shoots of the host and hatch in about 6 days. The life cycle from egg to adult requires 27-35 days. Adults mate 3-4 days after emergence, and females begin laying eggs 3 days later.