Per cent survival, larval period and weight, pupal duration and weight, emergence, adult longevity and fecundity of Heliothis armigera (Hubner) were affected by the pulse species on which it was reared. The pulses could be classified into two groups i.e. pigeon pea and chick pea which were suitable for growth, development and fecundity and black gram, sweet pea, green gram, broad bean and lentil which were unsuitable.