IMPACT OF SOYBEAN PHENOLOGY ON VELVETBEAN CATERPILLAR (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE): OVIPOSITION, EGG HATCH, AND ADULT LONGEVITY

Abstract
Adult females of the velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner, from larvae fed on progressively aged soybean, Glycine max (L.), foliage had variable reproductive characteristics. Mean oviposition rates ranged from 963.4 to 515.0 eggs/female when larvae fed on early vegetative and senescent leaves, respectively. Average daily oviposition peaked ca. 4 days after adult emergence, decreased sharply to day 10, and remained at a low level until adult mortality. Mean daily egg hatch decreased with female age, but female longevity was not affected significantly.