Influence of the age of Eucalyptus grandis seedlings in the development ofNomophila sp.

The influence of the age of Eucalyptus grandis (Myrtaceae) seedlings in the development of Nomophila sp. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) was studied. The ins ect was fed in laboratory at 24 +/-2 degreesC, 80 +/- 15% of RH and photoph ase of 12 hours with 20-30 days or 50-60 days old E. grandis leaves. Observ ed parameters were: number, duration and characterization of each instar, w idth of head capsule, length of the body, duration of the larval stage, rel ationship between number of instars and sex of adults, viability and behavi or of Nomophila sp. caterpillars. This insect showed better development wit h 20-30 days old E. grandis seedlings than those with 50-60 days old E. gra ndis seedlings, which have harder stems. This reinforces the need to grow E ucalyptus seedlings in good fertility conditions aiming to increase their d evelopment which could reduce damage level by Nomophila sp.