Laboratory observations on the biology of Xenylla welchi (Collembola:Hexapoda) : Proceedings of the Xth international Colloquium on Apterygota, České Budějovice 2000: Apterygota at the Beginning of the Third Millennium

Abstract

Egg batches of Xenylla welchi are laid in crevices, holes, exuviae, etc. In the present study, the total number of eggs per female varied between 134 and 148. The first batch of eggs was generally laid at the beginning of the sixth instar, on reaching of sexual maturity. The embryonic development was completed in 5 days at 26 °C to 30 °C, while it took 11 and 17 days at 20 ± 1 °C and 15 ± 1 °C, respectively. First instar animal usually hatched through a gradually widening slit in the exposed surface of the egg. Each moult was easily recognized by the presence of cast skin. The post-embryonic development was completed within 10.5 days at 26 °C to 30 °C and 20 days at 20 ± 1 °C. The individual life span was 83 days on average, comprising 22 moults.