The biology of Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) was studied in soybean fields. The experiments were conducted during the seasons of 1992 through 1997. Two evaluations were performed each year with 20 replications for each phase of A. gemmatalis. The insects taken to the field were reared in laboratory for two generations on leaves of the host soybean variety, at 27 ± 1 oC, 14 - hour photophase, and 60 ± 10 % RH, up to the pupal phase. The number, viability and period of incubation of the eggs as well as the viability of the larval and pupal stages, longevity of adults, egg-laying rhythm, and sexual rate were determined. The mean viability for the egg stage ranged from 43.0% (1996) to 76.3 % (1997), with an average duration of 3.60 days. The larval period of individuals originating females varied from 8.95 (1993) to 16.75 days (1997) and the mean viability was 17.2 %. The female and male pupal periods was nearly the same during the surveyed years (9.80 and 10.61 days, respectively). Female adult longevity varied from 9.10 (1997) to 12.90 days (1996). The mean eggs oviposited were 73.5, with viability of 42.3 %. The mean sexual rate was 0.50. Egg laying, occurred between the 7th (1997) or 13th day (1996), peaking on the 2nd day. The mean female cycle (egg - adult) was 26.51 days.
biological control; soybean caterpillar; agricultural pest; temperature
