Effects of two improved artificial diets on the development and reproduction of Tirathaba rufivena
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Key Words：Tirathaba rufivena, artificial diets, growth and development, fecundity, utilization and conversion of food
Abstract： Growth, survival, fecundity and nutrition of Tirathaba rufivena Walker raised on two artificial diets and a natural food were studied at (29±1)℃ and (75±5)% RH. Larvae reared on the artificial diets had faster larval growth and development, a higher larval survival rate, heavier pupae and higher adult fecundity than those reared on the natural food (young coconut fruit). The relative growth rate (RGR), efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) and efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) of larvae fed the artificial diets were significantly higher than those of larvae fed the natural food. Conversely, the relative consumption rate (RCR) of larvae fed the artificial diets was significantly lower than those of larvae fed the natural food. These results indicate that the two kinds of artificial diets used are suitable for mass rearing T. rufivena.