Open AccessTHE BEHAVIOURAL ACTIVITY AND VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE COTTON HARLEQUIN BUG TECTOCORIS DIOPHTHALMUS (THUNBERG) (HETEROPTERA: SCUTELLERIDAE) ON COTTON PLANTS IN A GLASSHOUSE
Author(s) -
Wilson L. T.,
Booth D. R.,
Morton R.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
australian journal of entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1440-6055
pISSN - 1326-6756
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-6055.1983.tb02109.x
Subject(s) - biology , instar , nymph , heteroptera , botany , horticulture , malvaceae , pest analysis , zoology , larva
The effects of several factors on behavioural activity and vertical distribution of Tectocoris diophthalmus on cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) were examined. Plant stage (peak square, early boll, mature boll) had no effect on the behavioural modes (resting, moving, feeding). As the bugs aged from the 3rd instar to the adult stages more time was spent feeding and moving and less time resting. Adult females fed most. Resting occurred predominantly on leaves and petioles/stems, moving on petioles/stems, feeding on fruit. Most feeding by immatures occurred early in the day (8–11 a.m.) while adults mostly fed in the evening (4–6 p.m.). Immatures fed more at higher temperatures (31–36°C), compared to 20–31°C for adults. All ages of the harlequin bug were found near the mainstem terminal. Adults and 5th instar nymphs were found closer to the terminal than were 3rd and 4th instar nymphs. All ages moved lower on the plant as temperature increased.