Studies on the Bionomics and Local Distribution of Some Lace Bugs in Thailand. V. Haedus vicarious (Drake) (Hemiptera : Tingidae)

Abstract

Haedus vicarious (Drake) is a serious leaf-sucking pest of the Congo jute, Urena lobata L. and found all over the Congo jute growing areas, The results of its damage, the affected leaves caused a white spots scattered over the upper surface of leaves. Severely infested leaves turned white and gradually became pale yellow, finally fell off. The greater damage occurred in March to July. H. vicarius was reared on the young leaves of Congo jute, it was found that eggs are usually deposited singly scattered all over ventral side of leaves but occasionally in clusters of 2 to 3. Eggs were implanted in leaves to depth, one-quarters of the chorion. On occasionally, an egg may be deposited unembedded between the felty hairs of the leaf surface. Egg incubation period averaged 8.94±0.47 days. The five instars of nymphal stage lasted for average of 2.94±0.02, 1.95±0.04, 2.23±0.03, 2.79±0.05 and 3.95±0.05, respectively. The mean for the whole nymphal life was 13.86±0.06 days. The average life cycle from egg to adult was 22.08±0.48 days. Lace bugs mated at any time of day, and there were several matings in a pair each. Duration of mating and angle between the sexes varies between pairs. In 55.33% of pair, males were to the left of female with dorsal surface of tips of male abdomen in contact with ventral aspect of that of female. Mated males and females lived for an averages of 23.47 and 41.08 days, respectively. Females deposited a mean of 178.93 eggs each.