The aim of this research was to evaluate the biological behaviour of melonworm at different natural and artificial diet under laboratory conditions (25ºC, 70% RH, 14 h photofase). Squash 'Jacaré', cucumber 'Japonês' and zucchini 'Caserta' were used as natural substrates compared to na artificial diet developed for the sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis). The caterpillars were inoculated in each substrate and reared for a full cycle. The biological parameters were different among treatments. An artificial diet and squash cv. Jacaré substrate showed higher performance for the multiplication of D. nitidalis. The artificial diet is recommended because it is easy to obtain the ingredients and nultiply this insect under laboratory conditions.
Diaphania nitidalis; insecta; insect biology
