Life History and Laboratory Rearing of Arilus cristatus (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) in Southern Illinois

The life history of Arilus cristatus (L.) was studied in southern Illinois from March 1997 to November 1998. The bug also was reared in the laboratory at 26 0.5C under a 16:8 (L:D) photoperiod. This univoltine species overwintered as eggs. First instars were found from early May to late June, second instars from mid-May to early June, third instars from late May to early July, fourth instars from early June to mid-July, fifth instars from early June to mid-August, and adults from early July to late November. In the laboratory, the five nymphal stadia averaged 15.64, 14.04, 15.17, 20.53, and 28.61 d, respectively. Also, the incubation periods of two egg clusters oviposited by two field-collected females were 60 and 61 d.