Aspects of the biology of Diclidophlebia eastopi Vondracek and D. harrisoni Osisanya (Homoptera, Psyllidae)

Abstract

AbstractDiclidophlebia eastopi Vondráček and D. harrisoni Osisanya are pests of the timber tree Triplochiton scleroxylon in Nigeria. The egg and five nymphal instars are described and illustrated. Under laboratory conditions the life-cycle (egg-egg) of D. eastopi was completed in 18½ days, and mated fed females had a life span of 15 days. The sex ratio in the field was 1:1. Nymphs feed near the veins of mature leaves, causing premature leaf fall; adults feed on leaves of any age and cause no symptoms. Fecundity averaged 502 eggs, with a daily oviposition rate of 38; most eggs are laid in batches along the veins of mature leaves. The life-cycle of D. harrisoni was 16 days; mated and fed females lived 10 days. The feeding of firstinstar nymphs near the margins of young leaves causes leaf tunnels to form, inside which the nymphs complete their development; adults feed only from young leaves. In the field the female:male ratio was 2:3. Fecundity averaged 131, with a daily oviposition rate of 31. Fertility improved with multiple matings. The eggs are laid singly, partially embedded in the epidermis, and only on young leaves.