The Biology and Descriptions of Immature of Dysdercus Stehliki in Two Environments

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil

Abstract

A recently described species of Dysdercus, named Dysdercus stehliki Schaefer, 2013 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae), found in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, feeds upon the seeds of fallen fruits of Sterculia chicha A. St. Hil. (Malvales: Sterculiaceae). The biology and immature stages’ descriptions of D. stehliki were assessed in two environments: laboratory and field. Individuals of the five nymphal instars were collected in March, 2011, in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil on fruits of S. chicha. The presence of eggs, nymphs, and adults inside of the fruits was observed daily. Developmental time for eggs, nymphs, and adults were 9, 45 and, 30 days, respectively in the field. The five nymphal instars were described. First instar: overall color dark red, paler ventrally except for head. Second instar: overall color darker red (darker than first instar). Third instar: overall color slightly darker than 2nd instar. Fourth instar: slightly darker and browner than 3rd instar. Fifth instar: overall color brown red.

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