On the Biology of Three Banana Pests in Costa Rica (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae, Nymphalidae)

Individuals of Caligo memnon Felder (Nymphalidae), Opsiphanes tamarindi Felder (Nymphalidae), and Sibine apicalis Dyar (Limacodidae) were reared through a complete life cycle in the laboratory. Eggs of C. memnon hatched in 8 to 9 days; the larvae passed through five instars in 37 to 49 days, and each consumed about 80,334 sq. mm. of banana leaf as food; the pupal stage lasted 9 days; and adults lived up to 45 days in captivity. Eggs of O. tamarindi also hatched in 8 to 9 days; the larvae passed through five instars in 35 to 41 days with an average consumption of 63,382 sq. mm. of banana leaf as food; the pupal stage lasted 10 to 15 days; and adults lived up to 30 days in captivity. Eggs of S. apicalis hatched in 7 days; the larvae passed through nine instars in 42 to 54 days with an average food consumption of 47,334 sq. mm. of banana leaf; the pupal stage lasted 31 to 36 days; and adults lived in the insectary for 6 days without food. Field habits of adult and immature stages are discussed.