Giant Redeye butterfly is the largest skipper which is a minor pest on the ornamental plants of certain palm species. Study of biology and life cycle of Giant redeye (Gangara thyrsis) has been done in natural and artificial conditions. The areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) is the most common host plant. The caterpillars of the Giant redeye feed on the youngest leaves of the areca palm. In natural condition, the population status, the host plant availability and life cycle generations and habitat preferences were studied in the vicinity of CHRIST (Deemed to be University) main campus at Bengaluru in India and is described and illustrated through photographs. The leaf consumption by caterpillars and subsequent changes in the morphology was observed. The behaviour and morphological characters of the eggs, caterpillars, pupae and adult emergence were observed. The consumption potential of different stages of caterpillars was also monitored. On average the total duration till the adult stage lasts for 30-35 days. The waxy material, construction of the cell and the drumming sound are unique to some of the skippers including Giant redeye. Though it is available throughout the year, it was observed that number has declined with the beginning of dry season of the year. In the present study certain conditions of stress were also provided in order to study its adaptations. When subjected to starvation it has reduced its body size to half and partially entered the pupa stage but couldn’t complete its life cycle. Majority of the eggs from the plants and various other stages are lost to a variety of parasitoid wasps, insects and some birds. This organism overcome all these challenges and sustain in the environment.

Keywords : Consumption Potential, Dypsis Lutescens, Gangara Thyrsis, Life Cycle, Parasitoid Wasps.