In a field experiment in 1993 in Karnataka, 10 selected insecticidal formulations (EC, dust and poison bait) were evaluated against 2nd- and 4th-instar larvae of Spilosoma obliqua [Spilarctia obliqua] on sunflowers. Fenvalerate spray (0.01%) and dust (0.04%), endosulfan spray (0.07%) and dust (4.0%) were the most effective treatments against the larvae after 24,48, 72 h and 5 days after the application. Mortality was higher in the 2nd-instars than 4th-instars.