Six elite groundnut genotypes were evaluated for resistance to Spodoptera litura (F.) under laboratory conditions with JL 24 as susceptible check during Kharif 2009 at the Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. Growth and development of S. litura on Mutant-III and ICGV-86699 Tan were found to be inferior over susceptible check JL-24. The larval duration on ICGV-86699 Tan and Mutant-III increased by 5.74 and 4.90days respectively over JL-24. Reduced larval weight, pupal weight, fecundity and increased mortality of neonate larvae were associated with resistant genotypes indicated antibiosis as the principle mechanism in resistance genotypes.