Lesser cornstalk borer (Elasmopalpus lignosellus Zeller)(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is an important sugarcane pest throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the New World. The semi-subterranean larval stage feeds on sugarcane at or below the soil surface causing damage to seed pieces, buds, shoots and young plants. Biological data on development, oviposition periods and egg placement, fecundity and longevity are needed on sugarcane to improve integrated management of this pest. Studies were conducted in the laboratory at 21, 24, 27 and 30°C. Duration of egg, larval, and pupal stages decreased significantly with increase in temperature. Pre-oviposition and post-oviposition periods increased, and ovipositional period decreased significantly at low temperature (21°C). Ovipositional period was longer at 27°C than other temperature conditions tested. Fecundity and survival rate also increased with an increase in temperature. The majority of eggs were deposited in the soil near plant bases, but some were deposited on the adaxial surface of lower leaves and on the stem.