Protection of potato crop against Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) infestation using frass extract of two noctuid insect pests under laboratory and storage simulation conditions

The oviposition deterrent effect of water extract of Spodoptera littoralis and Agrotis ipsilon larval frass on Phthorimaea operculella adult females was studied using two types of larval food “Natural host and Semi-artificial diet” under laboratory and storage simulation (semi-field) conditions. Extracted frass of fed larvae on semi-artificial diet showed complete oviposition deterrent effect at treatments with 4th, 5th and 6th instars of S. littoralis, also at treatments with 1st–3rd and 6th instars of A. ipsilon, while the same effect was observed when the larvae fed on castor oil leaves as a natural host only at treatment with frass extract of A. ipsilon 6th instar larvae. Presence of low amounts of phenols and flavonoids in water extract of A. ipsilon larval frass resulted in relatively more effect as oviposition deterrent to fertile adult females on treated oviposition sites, while the opposite effect was obtained in S. littoralis larval frass experiments. At semi-field experiments, the percentage reduction of laid eggs reached 100% after two?days at treatments with frass extracts of 4th and 5th S. littoralis larval instars and A. ipsilon 6th instar larvae fed on semi-artificial diet and/or castor oil leaves. Percentage reduction of laid eggs for untreated sacks reached 93.24 and 48.95% after 2 and 30?days, respectively, when placed between treated sacks, in comparison with the mean number of laid eggs for isolated control.     

The effect of plant chemistry on the acceptability of caterpillar prey to the argentine antIridomyrmex humilils (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Experiments were performed to test the acceptability of two palatable, cryptic caterpillars, the tobacco hornworm,Manduca sexta, and the cabbage looper,Trichoplusia ni, reared on different diets, to the Argentine ant,Iridomyrmex humilis. Ants preferred larvae reared on artificial diet, groundcherry, or cowpea to tobacco-reared larvae. Ants also preferred larvae reared on artificial diet without nicotine to larvae reared on diet containing nicotine (5% dry wt). Experiments were also performed to test the response of ants to larval extracts and chemicals applied to the surface of palatable prey. Ants did not respond differently to larvae of the potato tuber moth,Phthorimaea operculella, treated with larval extracts or regurgitate from tobacco-reared larvae compared to artificialdiet-reared larvae, but ants were deterred byP. operculella larvae treated with nicotine compared to untreated larvae. The results of this study indicate that caterpillars can derive at least some degree of chemical protection from their food plant without sequestering and storing plant compounds and without the development of elaborate aposematic characteristics.     

Effect of dietary nitrogen on gypsy moth larval nutritional indices, development and lipid content

Nutritional indices, development rates, percent dry weights and total lipids were determined in gypsy moth larvae (Lymantria dispar L.) reared on a high wheat germ (HWG) diet or diets prepared from lyophilized, ball-milled oak or pine foliage as the only source of dietary nitrogen (N). With regard to both total and proteinaceous N content, HWG diet>oak diet>pine diet. All nutritional indices measured were significantly lower in second instars fed pine diet vs. oak diet. Protein supplementation of pine diet with either casein or ovalbumin to bring total N up to the level present in oak diet resulted in small increased in approximate digestibility (AD) and effciency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), but relative growth rate (RGR) remained unaffected. The low RGR of larvae fed pine diet (unsupplemented or protein supplemented), as compared to those fed HWG or oak diet, was accompanied by significantly lower larval percent dry weight and percent total lipid. In contrast, RGR, larval percent dry weight and total lipid values were comparable in second instars fed HWG or oak diet. Insects reared from the first through the final instar on oak diet exhibited lower pupal weights compared to those reared on HWG. Casein addition to oak diet generally resulted in even more extended larval development times and further reduced pupal weights, but wheat germ addition to oak diet did not alter development rates and caused an increase in pupal weights.     

Cross habituation to feeding deterrents and acceptance of a marginal host plant byPieris rapae larvae

Sensitivity of the cabbage butterfly,Pieris rapae L. to feeding deterrents was compared for larvae reared on different food sources under laboratory conditions. Since cabbage-reared larvae normally reject nasturtium,Tropaeolum majus L., the effects of previous exposure to allelochemicals on larval acceptance or rejection of this plant were also examined. When compared with cabbage-reared larvae, nasturtium-reared larvae were less sensitive to feeding deterrents including cymarin, erysimoside and 2-O-β-d-glucosyl cucurbitacin E. Nasturtium-reared larvae were insensitive to chlorogenic acid, which was deterrent to cabbage-reared larvae. Feeding by larvae reared on a wheat germ diet was not deterred by these compounds. The results indicate that dietary experience can extensively affect larval sensitivity to feeding deterrents and that cross habituation of larvae to deterrents occurs in response to certain chemical constituents of nasturtium and wheat germ diet. Digitoxin, however, proved to be an exception. Larvae reared on either nasturtium or wheat germ diet were as sensitive to digitoxin as those reared on cabbage. Previous results have shown that rejectionof nasturtium by cabbage-reared larvae is due to the presence of strong feeding deterrents in this plant. However, more than 50% of 2nd instar larvae reared from neonate on cabbage leaves treated with strophanthidin, cymarin, erysimoside, digitoxigenin and digitoxin accepted nasturtium as a food source. 2-O-β-d-glucosyl cucurbitacin E, 2-O-β-d-glucosyl cucurbitacin I and rutin were also active in causing larvae to feed on nasturtium. Thus dietary exposure to unrelated plant chemicals can profoundly affect insect acceptance of a plant that contains feeding deterrents.     

Feeding damage by larvae of the mustard leaf beetle deters conspecific females from oviposition and feeding

Herbivorous insects may be informed about the presence of competitors on the same host plant by a variety of cues. These cues can derive from either the competitor itself or the damaged plant. In the mustard leaf beetle Phaedon cochleariae (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae), adults are known to be deterred from feeding and oviposition by the exocrine glandular secretion of conspecific co-occurring larvae. We hypothesised that the exocrine larval secretion released by feeding larvae may adsorb to the surface of Chinese cabbage leaves, and thus, convey the information about their former or actual presence. Further experiments tested the influence of leaves damaged by conspecific larvae, mechanically damaged leaves, larval frass and regurgitant on the oviposition and feeding behaviour of P. cochleariae. Finally, the effect of previous conspecific herbivory on larval development and larval host selection was assessed. Our results show that (epi)chrysomelidial, the major component of the exocrine secretion from P. cochleariae larvae, was detectable by GC-MS in surface extracts from leaves upon which larvae had fed. However, leaves exposed to volatiles of the larval secretion were not avoided by female P. cochleariae for feeding or oviposition. Thus, we conclude that secretion volatiles did not adsorb in sufficient amounts on the leaf surface to display deterrent activity towards adults. By contrast, gravid females avoided to feed and lay their eggs on leaves damaged by second-instar larvae for three days when compared to undamaged leaves. Mechanical damage of leaves and treatment of artificially damaged leaves with larval frass or regurgitant did not affect oviposition and feeding of P. cochleariae. Since no adverse effects of previous herbivory on larval development were detected, we suggest that female P. cochleariae avoid Chinese cabbage leaves damaged by feeding larvae for other reasons than escape from competition or avoidance of direct negative effects that result from consuming induced plant material.     

Impact of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) and Agrotis ipsilon (Hufn.) larval frass on oviposition of conspecific insects

Ethanolic extracts of larval frass of the cotton leaf worm and the black cutworm were prepared and tested to deter the eggs lay of the adults of the same insects. Two different types of food were used for larval feeding. Extracts fractions were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. High concentrations were more deterrent to oviposition than low. Extracted frass of fed larvae on semi-artificial diet was more effective than others fed on natural host. Sensitivity of the black cutworm adult females to the cotton leaf worm frass extract was clearly observed at high tested concentration of L_1–3 and L₄ frass extracts which resulted completely oviposition deterrent. Several fatty acids were identified qualitatively and quantitatively in frass extracts of different larval instars of both target insects. Type and quantity of fatty acid depends mainly on larval food source and larval instar, except palmitic acid which recorded at all larval instars and food sources. Oleic acid and ethyl 9-hexadecaenoic acid were found when semi-artificial diet used as a food source while myrisitic acid was observed only in extracted frass of fed larvae on castor oil leaves.     

New larval agar-based diet for laboratory rearing of Mediterranean fruit fly <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ceratitis capitata</Emphasis> (Diptera,Tephritidae)

Five larval diets for laboratory rearing of Ceratitis capitata were tested. These diets were based on wheat bran, microcellulose, potato starch and agar. To evaluate the quality of diet, pupal rearing efficacy and pupal weight were checked. The best results were obtained with an agar based diet used for Manduca sexta laboratory rearing. To simplify the preparation and to reduce the cost of this diet, a new formulation was developed. Larvae reared on the new agar-based diet achieved higher pupal rearing efficacy than larvae reared on bran diet recently used in medfly mass rearing facilities. Heat treated medflies reared on the new agar-based diet achieved similar pupal rearing efficacy with heat treated medflies reared on bran diet. When testing population density, higher pupal rearing efficacy was again achieved on new diet. The highest pupal rearing efficacy was achieved with 100 eggs per 25 g of diet, lowest with 500 eggs per 25 g of diet. Concerning pupal weight, there was no difference in results achieved on Petri dishes with different larval population densities. Larvae reared on new agar-based diet reached better results than larvae reared on bran diet. The preparation of the new diet is simple and the cost is low, so it is good for laboratory tests and rearing.     

Life-cycle nitrogen budget for the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, reared on artificial diet

Lymantria dispar larvae were reared on a wheat germ-based artificial diet from egg eclosion until pupation. Utilization efficiency of dietary nitrogen underwent an age-specific decrease from 75% in the first instar to 54 and 43% for last-instar female and male larvae, respectively. Relative rates (mg/day/mg biomass) of nitrogen consumption and assimilation also decreased during larval development, but the excretion rate of nitrogen was constant for all instars and both sexes. Larval % nitrogen decreased as the larvae matured, while the percentage in the frass increased. These data suggest that need for nitrogen decreases as the larva matures. While L. dispar is comparatively inefficient at assimilating dietary nitrogen, over one-half of that assimilated by the female larva is transferred to egg production by the adult.     

Evaluation ofHadena perplexa [Lepidoptera: Phalaenidae] as a biocontrol agent of bladder campionSilene vulgaris [Caryophyllaceae] in Canada: Rearing and host specificity

Rearing techniques and results of preliminary host range tests are reported forHadena perplexa (Denis & Schiffermuller) (Lep.: Phalaenidae) a candidate biocontrol agent against the weed bladder campion,Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke, in Manitoba, Canada. In the laboratory, it was necessary to pipette a 15% honey solution in water into the flowers as food for the adult moths. When reared singly to avoid cannibalism, 56% of the 1^st instar larvae developed to pupae. Larvae fed on a natural diet for 10 days can then be reared on either one of 2 artificial diets. Choice oviposition tests and no-choice larval feeding tests were conducted with plant species closely related toS. vulgaris in the generaSilene, Dianthus, Gypsophila, Lychnis, Saponaria. Species in 4 of 5 of these genera were accepted for oviposition, and species in all 5 genera supported the development of 1^st instar larvae to the pupal stage.H. perplexa should not be introduced into Canada.      

Host-independent artificial rearing of Eucryptorrhynchus brandti (Coleoptera: curculionidae)†

Eucryptorrhynchus brandti (Harold) is a trunk boring pest of Ailanthus altissima in China and is a potential biological control agent for invasive A. altissima in the USA. In this study, we developed a host-independent artificial rearing method for E. brandti adults and larvae, including fresh thin slices of potato for adults and a potato-based diet (referred to as diet 6) for larvae. Adults reared on thin slices of potato oviposited normally and larvae reared on diet 6 exhibited successful pupation and eclosion and short developmental duration. The rates of larval survival, pupation, and adult emergence were 63.3?±?0.26, 86.7?±?0.42, and 93.5?±?0.33%, respectively. This method could be used for the mass rearing of E. brandti.     

Rearing of the pupal parasitoid Brachymeria intermedia on veal homogenate-based artificial diets: evaluation of factors affecting effectiveness

The pupal parasitoid Brachymeria intermedia (Nees) was reared from egg to fecund adult on various veal homogenate-based artificial diets. For every replicate 12.12 ml of each diet were used. Four diets were tested first. Two media, one devoid of and one supplemented with 1 ml Galleria mellonella pupal extract, contained 0.19 g wheat germ and 0.19 g yeast extract each. The other two, one added with and the other devoid of host extract, contained 0.38 g yeast extract each and no wheat germ. All diets also contained chicken egg yolk (1.1 and 0.8 ml in the diets without and with host extract, respectively). The amount of yeast extract was seen to have no significant effect on any of the developmental parameters considered. The replacement of wheat germ with yeast extract was therefore not convenient, considering that the former is far more economical than the latter. Pupal extract was instead found to have a significant effect on pupal and adult yields. The highest adult yield (= 53.2%) was obtained on the diet supplemented with 0.38 g yeast extract and containing host pupal extract. A further four media, each comprising a different kind of material derived from G. mellonella, were subsequently tested. Adult yields were such as to suggest the possibility of replacing pupal with larval extract in the diets as the latter is easier to prepare since there are no cocoons to be removed. In contrast, when the diets were supplemented with larval or pupal homogenate, adult yields dramatically dropped. When B. intermedia was reared in groups rather than individually, most larvae died before attaining maturity. Only two parasitoids, in two different replicates, emerged as adults.     

Oviposition deterrents in larval frass of the cotton boll worm, Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): chemical identification and electroantennography analysis

Oviposition deterrents in the frass of cotton bollworm (CBW), Helicoverpa armigera larvae fed on an artificial diet (FA) and on cotton Gossypium hirsutum leaves (FC) were investigated by behavioral bioassays and electroantennography analyses in the laboratory. It was found that a water suspension or a hexane extract of the frass FA or FC, in contrast to the corresponding foods, significantly deterred oviposition of conspecifics. When hexane extracts of the frass FA and FC were further partitioned into polar and neutral lipid fractions, two polar fractions significantly reduced oviposition. The neutral fraction from frass FC also exhibited significant deterrence, although the activity was much lower than that of the corresponding polar fraction. The polar lipid fractions contained several fatty acids, mainly palmitic and oleic acid at the ratio nearly 1:1. A blend of authentic fatty acids of the same composition found in frass FA or FC mimicked the deterring effect. Moreover, these fatty acids and their blend at the ratio found in frass FA or FC elicited significant electroantennogram responses and typical dose-response curves. Thus, it is suggested that CBW larvae may deploy two types of oviposition deterrents: a non-specific and a specific one. The former is a blend of fatty acids, independent of food and plays an important role in oviposition deterrence, whereas the latter may be produced only when the larvae feed on cotton leaves. The possible explanations of this deployment have also been discussed.     

Potato proteins, and other plant proteins, as potential transgenic resistance factors to pollen beetles in oilseed rape

Proteinase inhibitors (PIs), lectin and patatin purified from potato tubers were tested in no‐choice feeding assays with pollen beetle larvae (Meligethes spp.). The idea was to search for resistance factors possible to introduce into oilseed rape (Brassica napus) by genetic engineering. The larval diet was prepared by soaking oilseed rape anthers in protein solutions of known concentrations. Potato lectin was the most potent in that it was the only of these proteins that reduced both larval survival and growth rate, while cysteine, aspartic and metallo PIs and patatin only reduced larval growth rate. Serine PIs had no significant effect on larval performance. Subsequently, the effect of potato lectin was compared to that of lectins from other food or feed crops, resulting in the following mortality‐ based ranking of activity: Con A from jackbean > wheat germ lectin > potato lectin > peanut lectin. In choice tests, larvae did not discriminate between Con A‐ and control‐diets. These results suggest that the effect of Con A on larvae is toxic, not deterrent. Adult response was stronger to Con A than to potato lectin in no‐choice tests, just as it was in larvae. However, adult survival rate and weight was not affected by Con A but the lectin significantly reduced adult feeding as well as oviposition rates. A resistance factor that suppresses adult feeding on flower buds is important for reduced impact of the pollen beetle on the Brassica oilseed crop.     

Oviposition deterrent effect of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) larval frass to adult females of two major noctuid insect pests

Water extract of fresh frass of Spodoptera littoralis larval instars (L_1–3, L₄, L₅ and L₆) fed on Castor oil leaves was prepared by soaking at concentration (20?g frass/50?ml distiled water) followed by steering before filtration. Oviposition deterrent activity of the extract to S. littoralis and A. ipsilon adult females was evaluated as the mean number of laid eggs in treatments in comparison with control under laboratory conditions. Total amount of phenols and flavonoids in larval frass was determined. Extraction of L₆ frass obtained complete oviposition deterrent to S. littoralis adult moths and the minimum number of laid eggs by A. ipsilon adult females (11.8?eggs/female) in comparison with control (1026.0 and 848.2?eggs/female respectively). Maximum number of laid eggs by S. littoralis females was 361.0/f at treatment with L_1–3 frass extract and 748.0/adult female of A. ipsilon at treatment with L₄ frass extract. Low amount of phenols and/or flavonoids in frass extract of L₆ increased the oviposition deterrent effect while high amount of them as obtained in L₄ frass extract (3.504 and 1.610%, respectively) decreased the effect at both of tested insects.     

Dependence on host constituents controlling food acceptance by Manduca sexta larvae

The host range of Manduca sexta L. (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) is restricted in nature to plants in the family Solanaceae. However, naive hatchling larvae often accept and continue their development on foliage from a wide spectrum of unrelated plants. In contrast, solanaceous-experienced larvae refuse to feed on other plants. Experiments were designed to explore the role of constituents of various plants in this behavioral phenomenon. Fourth instar larvae reared on solanaceous hosts: tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), or tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), and the leguminous non-host cowpea (Vigna sinensis Savi), or on artificial diet based on wheat germ were tested for their acceptance or preference when offered a new diet in both choice and no-choice situations. Under no-choice conditions, acceptability of cowpea foliage was strongly affected by the larval dietary experience. Most larvae reared on solanaceous foliage did not feed, whereas those larvae reared on non-solanaceous food readily accepted cowpea. Moreover, solanaceous foliage, leaf discs and extracts were readily accepted by larvae regardless of their dietary experience. Larvae reared on any of the solanaceous plants strongly preferred cowpea discs that were treated with solanaceous extract, while larvae reared on non-solanaceous diets did not discriminate between treated and control discs. Assays of cowpea extracts as well as acceptance of cowpea discs treated with solanaceous extract indicated a lack of detectable deterrent in cowpea. Our results suggest that the mechanism for induced host specificity in M. sexta larvae involves development of a dependence on solanaceous chemical constituents. We argue that this dependence on host plant chemistry has adaptive significance.     

Biology and life table studies of the oriental tobacco budworm,Helicoverpa assulta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), influenced by different larval diets

Development, survivorship, pupal weight, oviposition, and life table parameters of the oriental tobacco budworm, Helicoverpa assulta Guenée, were evaluated in the laboratory on an artificial diet, pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.), and tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum L.). We found that the average developmental time of immature stages was longest on tobacco (36.2 d), intermediate on pepper (34.4 d), and shortest on artificial diet (33.5 d). Immature survival from egg to pupa varied from 31% on tobacco, 43% on pepper, and 74% on artificial diet. Pupal weight ranged from 197.4 mg/pupa on tobacco, 233.1 mg/pupa on pepper and 253.4 mg/pupa on artificial diet. The average numbers of eggs laid by adults reared as larvae on the artificial diet, pepper, or tobacco were 614, 421 and 334 eggs/female, respectively. Numbers of remaining eggs in ovaries of the adult females reared as larvae on the artificial diet, pepper, or tobacco were 16, 26, and 42 eggs/female, respectively. The longevity of adult females developed from larvae reared on the three diets was not significantly different, whereas the longevity of male adults from the larvae reared on artificial diet was longer (16.8 d) than that for males reared on tobacco (13.8 d) and pepper (13.3 d). The intrinsic, finite, gross, and net rates of increase were highest for females reared as larvae on artificial diet, lowest for females emerging from larvae reared on tobacco, and intermediate for females emerging from larvae reared on pepper. Generation times and doubling time of H. assulta were shortest for larvae fed artificial diet, intermediate from larvae reared on pepper, and longest from larvae reared on tobacco. We concluded that the artificial diet was the most suitable larval diet of H. assulta followed by pepper, and tobacco.     

Wheat germ oil and its effects on a liquid larval rearing diet for oriental fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Wheat germ oil was added to a larval liquid diet for rearing Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) to optimize fruit fly quality. Effects of various concentrations of wheat germ oil at 0.04, 0.07, 0.15, 0.30, and 0.66% and their possible mode of action were evaluated. Results suggest that addition of wheat germ oil does not affect pupal weight, larval developmental period, adult emergence, mating ability, or peak time for egg production. But there was a significant increase in pupal recovery, percentage of adult fliers, egg production, or egg hatch for larvae fed the diet with wheat germ oil compared with those reared on the liquid diet without wheat germ oil. The increase in egg hatch and fliers was dose dependent. Therefore, addition of wheat germ oil to fruit fly rearing diet is a novel way to improve fruit fly quality, especially in egg hatch, fliers, egg production, and pupal recovery.     

The effect of a chemical deterrent, released from the frass of caterpillars of the garden pebble moth, on cabbage root fly oviposition

The cabbage root fly, Delia radicum (L.), was deterred from laying eggs on cauliflower plants that had been sprayed with a suspension of the frass of caterpillars of the garden pebble moth, Evergestis forficalis (L.). Polar extracts of the frass deterred oviposition irrespective of the cruciferous plant species on which the caterpillars had been feeding. Non-polar extracts of the frass had no effect. Spraying plants with macerates from Brassica leaves stimulated fly oviposition whereas spraying plants with macerates from garlic mustard leaves deterred fly oviposition. Macerates from the leaves of all other plants tested had no effect. In field experiments the deterrent effect persisted 2–3 days after leaves were sprayed with frass extracts. Plants infested with feeding caterpillars and contaminated with only a few discrete frass pellets were as deterrent to the fly as those sprayed with frass suspensions.

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Résumé D. radicum a évité de pondre sur des pieds de chou-fleur, qui avaient été pulvérisés avec une suspension d'excréments d'E. forficalis. Les extraits polaires de ces excréments empêchent la ponte quelle que soit l'espère de crucifère sur laquelle les chenilles se sont alimentées. Les extraits non polares sont sans effet. Dans la nature, l'action dissuadante persiste 2 à 3 jours après la pulvérisation des feuilles avec les extraits d'excréments. La pulvérisation tous les deux jours a maintenu l'action dissuadante. Des plantes contaminées par des chenilles en train de s'alimenter et souillées par quelques crottes sont aussi dissuadantes pour la mouche que celles pulvérisées avec une suspension d'excréments.

     

Host recognition by the specialist endoparasitoidMicroplitis croceipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): Role of host- and plant-related volatiles

The specialist parasitoidMicroplitis croceipes Cresson can parasitize only noctuid larvae in the generaHelicoverpa andHeliothis. To be successful in their search for hosts, the ability to distinguish hosts from nonhosts feeding on the same plant is beneficial. In flight tunnel experiments, we found that prior to landing on the odor sourceM. croceipes were able to distinguish volatiles released from frass of host larvae(Helicoverpa zea Boddie) and nonhost larvae (Spodoptera exigua Hübner andSpodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith) fed on cotton. However, an initial contact experience with frass of cotton-fed host larvae appeared to be critical for this ability. Wasps that had antennated frass of host larvae fed pinto bean diet were equally attracted to frass of host and nonhost larvae fed on pinto bean diet. In short-range walking experiments, wasps located cotton-fed host larvae faster than diet-fed larvae, regardless of their experience. Wasps that had antennated frass of cotton-fed host larvae were less attracted to cotton-fed nonhost larvae, compared to host larvae, and preferred to sting host larvae. Plant-related volatiles in host frass and larvae appear to play a major role in the successful location of host larvae.     

In Vitro Rearing of the Parasitoid Exorista larvarum (L.) (Diptera: Tachinidae) on Meat Homogenate-Based Diets

The tachinid Exorista larvarum (L.), a polyphagous gregarious larval endoparasitoid of Lepidoptera, was reared from egg to fecund adult on media containing commercial meat homogenates for babies as the main ingredient. Four media, each containing a diverse homogenate supplemented with extract of Galleria mellonella L. pupae, were tested first. Despite the difference in nutrient content, the kind of homogenate did not significantly affect the adult yields (30.2 to 40.7%) or puparial weights. Two other diets free of host materials (I and II) were then tested. Both were based on Gerber veal homogenate combined with different amounts of yeast extract and chicken egg yolk and were supplemented with wheat germ (I) or saccharose (II). Adult yields (28.7 to 32.7%) and puparial weights did not differ significantly between the two diets. Fly longevity and fecundity of the females obtained on diet I were comparable to those of the females emerged from puparia formed in G. mellonella larvae. Male and female puparial weights were, however, higher and development times longer on the diet than in the host.