Diaphania indica (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is an important phytophagous pest of Trichosanthes anguina L. in India. We studied life table parameters by age-stage, two-sex, amylolytic and proteolytic activities, and food utilization parameters of D. indica on the leaves of three T. anguina cultivars (Baruipur Long, Polo No. 1 and MNSR-1). Further, nutrients (total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, amino acids and nitrogen) and antinutrients (total phenols, flavonols and tannins) in leaves were determined. The development time (egg to adult emergence) was the shortest on MNSR-1 (19.79 d) and the longest on Polo No. 1 (25.72 d). Fecundity was the highest and lowest on MNSR-1 (259 eggs) and Polo No. 1 (151.22 eggs), respectively. The lowest intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and net reproductive rate (R0) of D. indica on Polo No. 1 were 0.1112 d−1 and 27.22 offspring individual−1, respectively. The mean generation time (T) was the shortest on MNSR-1 (23.99 days) and the longest on Polo No. 1 (29.70 d). The larvae of D. indica fed with MNSR-1 had the highest level of amylolytic and proteolytic activities, and the lowest activities were in the larvae fed with Polo No. 1. The fifth-instar larvae fed with Polo No. 1 had the lowest consumption index and growth rate. The higher larval development time and lower fecundity of D. indica on Polo No. 1 were due to the lower level of nutrients and a higher level of antinutrients than other cultivars. Our results concluded that Polo No. 1 cultivar could be suggested for cultivation.

Studies were conducted for the first time on the gregarious endoparasitoid, Apanteles taragamae Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to determine its biology on Diaphania indica (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The mean number of eggs laid per host was 24.63 and these eggs increased greatly in size before hatching. Larva passes through three instars as determined by the shape and size of the mandibles. Mean development time from egg to adult was 15.6 days at 24.26°C and 80–85% r.h. The mean number of adults emerging from each host was 14.61 and the sex ratio was 1:1.31 (males:females). The mean number of eggs laid by each female was 242.6. Mean adult longevity on 20% honey was 9.30 days for males and 10.70 for females.

Studies were conducted on the biology of the recently described Goniozus sensorius Gordh (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), a gregarious ectoparasitoid of Diaphania indica (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Eggs are laid after temporarily paralyzing the host. Mean development time from egg to adult is 11.96 days at 26.43 and 65.08% r.h. The female lays an average of 50.1 eggs during its life time and parasitizes 7.26 hosts on average. The sex ratio is 1:3.91, males:females. Mean adult longevity is almost similar for males (8.55 days) and females (9.81 days). Aphanogmus fijiensis (Ferriere) (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronidae) was recorded as a hyperparasitoid through G. sensorius.