About Herpetogramma bipunctalis Fabricius, 1794
This is a description of the morphology and life cycle of Herpetogramma bipunctalis, commonly known as the Southern Beet Webworm Moth or Brinjal Leaf Webber. Eggs of this species are circular to oblong, laid in transparent clusters on the undersides of leaves. Freshly laid eggs are colorless, and turn pale brown just before hatching. H. bipunctalis has 5 larval instars, and mature larvae reach 3–4 cm in length. First instar larvae have slender, pale green bodies and dark heads, while fifth instar larvae have deeper green bodies and dark heads. Fifth instar larvae are most often found in large groups. The pupal stage occurs concealed inside leaf folds or among soil debris. Pupae are dark brown, obtect (meaning appendages such as legs and wings are glued to the body wall), and have seven spiral crochets. Adult moths have a wingspan of 23–24 mm. Both forewings and hindwings are creamy brown in color, and marked with wavy lines and discoidal spots. The abdomen has 2 dark dorsal spots. Regarding the life cycle of H. bipunctalis, the egg incubation period lasts 4–5 days. The first, second, and third larval instars each take 2–3 days to develop. The fourth instar develops over 2–4 days, and the fifth instar develops over 3–7 days. Early instars feed on leaves, while older larvae create exit holes in stems to reach the soil for pupation. The pupal stage lasts 7–12 days before adults emerge. Total development time from egg to adult ranges from 23–39 days, and the species undergoes holometabolous metamorphosis.
