Abstract:

The blackhead fireworm (Rhopobota naevana) had eight generations a year in Lishui, and overwintered at the egg stage on the foliage of Ligustrum sinense. The larvae of the first generation hatched from over winter egg in early March. The major onset of adults were respectively in April，middle May，early June，early July，middle August，middle September，middle October and later November. The over winter egg occured in early December. The larvae fed on the young shoot of Ligustrum sinense. The percent of infestation reached up to 70% in severity time, and the shoots of Ligustrum sinense may be withered in continuous infestation. Eggs were laid on the leaves. Newly hatched larvae burrowed into the blade near the egg， and then webbed the the young leave of shoots and feed on it. Fully grown larvae went into the pupa stage within a thin cocoon in the litter or in foliage. Adults had a habit of supplement water. There are a lot of natural enemy in Lishui, the main are Clinocentrus sp, Xanthopimpla punctata, Polistes chinensis antennalis Perez and Sceliphron (Sceliphron) madrapatanum kohli Sickmann.

Key words: blackhead fire worm (Rhopobota naevana), Ligustrum sinense, life history