Biology and Damage Dynamics of the Banana Skipper, Erionota torus (Evans) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)

The banana (Musa sp.) is a vital crop in tropical agriculture with significant economic and cultural importance in India, widely cultivated across states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Although it holds significant nutritional value and economic importance, banana crops face severe challenges from insect pests, notably the banana skipper (Erionota torus). This lepidopteran pest has been a major threat in South India, causing extensive defoliation that greatly reduces photosynthetic efficiency and fruit yield. The larvae's destructive behaviour includes cutting leaf edges to construct cylindrical shelters for feeding and development, exacerbating crop damage. This study investigates the life cycle, morphology, and damaging behaviour of E. torus which is examined by rearing the pests under the controlled conditions of a laboratory, to observe infestation patterns. Laboratory-reared specimens revealed detailed developmental stages with males completing their life cycle in 56.10 ± 2.30 days and females in 57.90 ± 2.00 days. Erionota torus adults lay pale yellow eggs that eventually mature turning light pink with a black top. The larvae go through five distinct instars, each characterized by unique morphological traits, such as waxy coatings and varying head capsule colours. Adults also displayed sexually dimorphic traits, with males being slenderer compared to females. Severe infestations resulted in defoliation rates that significantly impacted yield losses of up to 28% observed at 50% defoliation rate. This research highlights the urgent need for targeted pest control measures to safeguard banana cultivation, ensuring the crop's sustainability and viability in India.