Abstract
Stem‐borer larvae of Chilo partellus migrate in two ways: by crawling and by ballooning on silken threads. There are four periods of migration during the larval life span. Larvae respond to environmental signals such as larval density and plant quality. Their adaptive dispersal results in a redistribution of the larval population and is a major contributory factor to the spread of stem‐borer infestation in fields. Knowledge of larval migration is important when assessing pest management strategies. This is discussed with special reference to plant breeding, intercropping and biological control.

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