Ecology of <i>Dysdercus cingulatus</i> morphs

Abstract

We recorded whether male and female Dysdercus cingulatus (Fab.) (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae) had a black scutellar spot in addition to the two forewing spots, and then mated all the combinations. Offspring of these crosses were assessed under laboratory conditions for a number of variables: nymphal developmental period, sex ratio, fecundity, hatchability and offpsring size. Offspring of the cross 3M2F took the largest time to attain the adult stage, but fecundity was higher in 2M2F offspring. The incubation period was highest when parents had the same, rather than different, numbers of spots.

Egyptian Journal of Biology Vol. 10 2008: pp. 122-125