Second-instar Nymphs Research Articles

Descriptions of all female stages of the maple mealybug, Phenacoccus aceris (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae), with notes on its biology

The adult female and all wingless nymphal stages of the maple mealybug, Phenacoccus aceris (Signoret), are redescribed and illustrated. The second-instar nymphs of both males and females produce a felt-like cover, which is secreted by numerous dorsal tubular ducts. A key is also provided to separate wingless immature stages of Ph. aceris, based on morphological features. The life cycle and biology of the mealybug on three different plant hosts, i.e., Acer negundo L., A. pseudoplatanus L. (Aceraceae) and Fraxinus excelsior L. (Oleaceae) over two years is presented and compared. Ph. aceris displayed similar developmental rates on all three host plants. Ph. aceris has one generation per year in Ankara, Turkey, and overwinters as third-instar females and male prepupae and pupae in hidden places on the trunk and branches of its host plants. The longest nymphal stage on all host plant species was the third-instar female and the male prepupa and pupa stage. In both sexes there were differences in the periods of occurrence of each developmental stage amongst years that may relate to variation in field temperatures.

Indirect effect of neem oil on Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae): biology and predatory capacity

This study evaluated the effects on the development and predatory capacity of Podisus nigrispinus fed on Spodoptera frugiperda that have ingested different concentrations of neem oil. The predatory capacity of Podisus nigrispinus was assessed, separating nymphs (fourth instar) and adults (males and females). The treatments consisted of S. frugiperda larvae reared in neem oil aqueous solutions (0.077, 0.359 and 0.599%), deltamethrin EC 25 (0.100%) and control arranged in a completely randomized design, with ten replicates. Insects were offered three larval densities (one, three and six), in the third or fourth instars. The predated larvae were examined at 24 and 48 hours after the beginning of the experiment. Biological parameters of Podisus nigrispinus were evaluated in groups of ten second-instar nymphs transferred to pots, in five replicates. Insects were offered 2-6 third and/or fourth-instar larvae reared in the same neem oil concentrations in a completely randomized design. The following parameters were evaluated: duration of each nymph stage (days), nymph mortality (%), weight of fifth-instar nymphs (mg), sex ratio, weight of males and females (mg) and longevity of unfed adults (days). The predatory capacity of nymphs and adults of Podisus nigrispinus was influenced by the neem oil at the concentrations of 0.359% and 0.599% in the highest density. The concentration of 0.359% lengthened the nymphal stage and the concentration of 0.599% reduced the weight of males.

Population dynamics of the gall inducer Eriogallococcus isaias (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Eriococcidae) on Pseudobombax grandiflorum (Malvaceae)

Eriogallococcus isaias Hodgson and Magalhães is a Neotropical species of gall-inducing scale insect (Coccoidea: Eriococcidae), whose phenological synchrony with its host plant, Pseudobombax grandiflorum, is fundamental to the maintenance of its population. Furthermore, E. isaias is unusual among gall-inducing Eriococcidae because its galls are not sexually dimorphic and are induced by the second-instar nymphs. We studied the life cycles of the host plant and the galling insect, and followed the development of the insects and the structure of the gall. The results showed that gall induction is synchronous with leaf flushing, and that the galls and leaves mature concomitantly. Males have a 36–48-day life cycle within the gall, whereas females have a 75–100-day life cycle.

Prerelease efficacy test of the psyllid, Arytinnis hakani, a prospective biological control agent of the invasive weed Genista monspessulana

In weed biological control, conducting a prerelease efficacy test can help ascertain if prospective biological control agents will be capable of controlling the target plant. Currently, the phloem-feeding psyllid, Arytinnis hakani, is being evaluated as a prospective agent for the exotic invasive weed, Genista monspessulana, in the USA. Small potted plants were exposed to 0, 4, 8, 12 or 16 A. hakani second-instar nymphs which were allowed to develop on the plants for six weeks in an incubator at 18°C. Increasing A. hakani densities had a significant negative impact on the number of leaflets grown, per cent change in plant height and the final number of leaflets per centimeter of plant height. Increase in plant height and the number of leaflets relative to uninfested plants were reduced by 16 and 29%, respectively, at the highest infestation levels. Psyllids did not increase leaf senescence. One of the 10 plants that was exposed to 16 psyllids died, whereas none of the others died. Weekly nymphal mortality was 10–18% at the lowest density (four psyllids), but was at least 40% at the three highest densities. Although dead nymphs were replaced weekly, insect mortality may have reduced impact on the plants, especially at the higher densities. This insect is multivoltine, so prolongation of the infestation period may have a greater impact on the plant.

Activity of flonicamid on the sweet potato whitely Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) and its natural enemies

Flonicamid is a novel systemic insecticide that acts as a feeding blocker with potential use against whiteflies within IPM control tactics. Flonicamid efficacy against Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean populations from Crete was examined, as well as side effects on selected beneficials used extensively in current IPM schemes. Low variability in adulticide activity was detected (<tenfold), while there was no resistance compared with a reference susceptible population. Flonicamid exhibited low to no insecticidal activity on eggs, emerging crawlers and second-instar nymphs at the maximum registered label rate (RLRmax ). In long-term cage experiments, flonicamid at the RLRmax (125 mg L(-1)) caused 95% mortality to whiteflies 10 days after treatment and delayed population growth by one generation (32 days). Flonicamid significantly delayed nymphal development by increasing the development time (DT50 ) of treated insects by 7.2 days. Flonicamid did not affect the survival of Eretmocerus eremicus adults, while lethal effects of an intermediate level were observed on Nesidiocoris tenuis adults and nymphs, Amblyseius swirskii adults and preimaginal stages of E. eremicus. Flonicamid reduced the feeding activity (consumption of B. tabaci eggs) of N. tenuis and A. swirskii by 28 and 37% respectively. Moreover, the fecundity of A. swirskii was reduced by 36% after exposure to flonicamid. Flonicamid is an effective tool for the management of B. tabaci populations from Crete, and initial studies indicate that it could be combined with B. tabaci natural enemies.

Joint action of Beauveria bassiana and the insect growth regulators diflubenzuron and novaluron, on the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria

Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and sublethal concentrations of the insect growth regulators (IGR) diflubenzuron and novaluron were applied simultaneously and sequentially to second-instar Locusta migratoria migratorioides (Sauss.) to determine the interaction between these materials and an entomopathogenic fungus. Nymphs were fed on corn leaf disks treated with several concentrations of each IGR, and a constant dose of B. bassiana was applied topically. Additive interaction was demonstrated in all instances when second-instar nymphs were exposed to diflubenzuron or novaluron simultaneously with B. bassiana treatment, and when the fungus was applied first and IGR after 48 h. Additive interaction was also exhibited when novaluron was applied first and B. bassiana after 48 h. Antagonism was demonstrated when nymphs were fed diflubenzuron-treated corn leaves first, then after 48 h were treated with B. bassiana. The additive interaction that was observed in our experiments could still be useful to achieve efficacious levels of acridid control at low rates of an IGR along with a biological control agent such as an entomopathogenic fungus.

A review of the genus Antonina Signoret in China (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae), with description of a new species

The mealybug genus Antonina Signoret (Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) in China is reviewed and 12 species are recognized. Of these, Antonina nanlingensis Wu &amp; Lu sp. nov. is a new species, collected from Ruyuan county, Guangdong Province, under the leaf sheaths of Indocalamus longianritus (Poaceae). The adult female and first- and second-instar nymphs of A. nanlingensis are described and illustrated. Additionally, A. sandakanae Williams is recorded from China for the first time, but all previous records of A. zonata Green from China are believed to be misidentifications of A. milleri Williams. A key to the adult females of Antonina species from China is included, as are keys to the first- and second-instar nymphs where these stages are known.

Responses of Second-Instar Male Nymphs of Four Mealybug Species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) to Conspecific and Heterospecific Female Sex Pheromones

The response of the late second-instar male nymphs of the mealybug species (Hemiptera, Pseudococcidae), Planococcus citri (Risso), Planococcus ficus (Signoret), Pseudococcus cryptus Hempel Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead), to their conspecific and heterospecific female pheromone was studied. Males that exhibited the typical appearance of late-second-instar nymphs were tested. The male behavior was moni- tored soon after their exposure to the tested female sex pheromone in glass Petri dish arenas. Male nymph behavior toward the pheromone source was characterized based on their aggregation on the disks in the arena. Males of all four tested mealybug species were attracted to their conspecific female pheromone. By contrast, almost no interceptions of male nymphs with disks impregnated with a heterospecific female pheromone were observed. The mode of attraction of each of male nymphs of P. ficus, among most of the tested individuals (>80%), to the conspecific female sex phero- mone, (S)-lavandulyl senecioate and or (S)-lavandulyl isovalerate, was the same as the mode of attraction latter on as adult. We suggest that by being attracted to the conspecific pheromone these males may direct themselves to a suitable pupation site near conspecific non-sibling mature females, thus preventing inbreeding. The repel- lency of heterospecific sex pheromone to males that are looking for a pupation site suggests that the latter try to avoid close contact with heterospecific females.

Comparison of relative growth patterns of nymphal legs in relation to the oviposition habits of three heteropteran species

In most animals, morphological changes are closely correlated to changes in behavior during ontogeny. Females of the winter cherry bug, Acanthocoris sordidus (Thunberg), often oviposit away from host plants. First-instar nymphs of A. sordidus can develop to the second instar only with water. Thus, it is the second-instar nymphs that have to search for host plants when A. sordidus females oviposit off host plants, implying that movement is of greater importance during the second instar than during other instars. We investigated the relative growth pattern of nymphal legs of A. sordidus to determine whether the morphology of this species is adapted to changes in locomotion. For comparison, we examined the relative leg lengths of the nymphs of two species, Hygia opaca (Uhler) and Leptocorisa chinensis Dallas, that do not need to search for their host plants due to the species’ oviposition habits. As predicted, second-instar nymphs of A. sordidus had the longest relative leg length of all instars. On the other hand, the relative growth patterns of the nymphal legs of H. opaca and L. chinensis differed from that of A. sordidus, indicating that relative leg growth is more strongly affected by oviposition habits than by phylesis.

Secondary kill effect of deltamethrin on Triatoma infestans.

Control of the Chagas disease vector, Triatoma infestans, relies on the application of pyrethroid insecticides, especially deltamethrin. We performed laboratory studies to determine whether a T. infestans nymph that comes into contact with a deltamethrin-treated surface horizontally transfers the insecticide to subsequent triatomines. We found that a triatomine that walks on a deltamethrin-treated surface for a short period of time has the ability to transport the insecticide in concentrations sufficient to kill other triatomines with which it comes into contact. The effect was limited to high-density environments, and mortality as a result of secondary exposure was greater among second-instar nymphs compared with fifth-instar nymphs. Our results suggest that deltamethrin could be killing triatomines through both direct and indirect contact, although it remains unclear whether the phenomenon occurs in natural conditions.

Comparative biology and production costs of Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) when fed different types of prey

The objective of our work was to identify the prey that offers optimum production of the predator, Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas). The cost of predator production was determined for each prey. We test the hypothesis that prey types supporting optimal development do not facilitate cost-effective rearing of P. nigrispinus. Second-instar nymphs of P. nigrispinus were reared in 1000-ml transparent plastic containers and maintained under controlled conditions (temperature, 25±1°C; photophase duration, 12h; relative humidity, 70±10%), and the following biological aspects were evaluated: nymph viability, length of the nymphal period, and weight of fifth-instar nymphs. The adults were isolated in pairs (one female and one male) in Petri dishes, and the following biological aspects were evaluated: lifespan, adult weight after emergence, number of eggs per female, egg mass in females, number of eggs per egg mass, durations of the pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods, viability, and length of the embryonic period. On the basis of our results, we conclude that the prey that leads to optimal development of P. nigrispinus is the larvae of Diatraea saccharalis (Fabr.), and the most cost effective prey for rearing P. nigrispinus is the larvae of Musca domestica L.

Foraging Behavior ofPraon volucre(Hymenoptera: Braconidae) a Parasitoid ofSitobion avenae(Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Wheat

Host stage preference, functional response and, mutual interference ofPraon volucre(Haliday) (Hym.: Braconidae) parasitizing the grain aphid,Sitobion avenae(Fabricius) (Hem.: Aphididae), were investigated under laboratory conditions. Host stage preference was evaluated at25±1°C,60±5% relative humidity and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (L : D), under choice and no-choice tests. Functional response was done under five constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C),60±5% relative humidity and a photoperiod of 16:8 h. (L : D).Praon volucreparasitized all nymphal instars and adults of the grain aphid but strongly preferred to oviposit into second-instar nymphs in both choice and no-choice conditions. Results of logistic regression revealed a type II functional response for all temperatures tested. The handling time (Th) and searching efficiency (a) were estimated using the Rogers equation. The maximum estimate of searching efficiency occurred at 15°C and 20°C (both0.05±0.01 h-1) and decreased to0.01±0.01 h-1at30±1°C. The minimum estimate of handling time was1.02±0.11 h at 25°C and increased to5.31±0.82 h at30±1°C. The maximum rate of parasitism was 23.52 aphids/female/day at 25°C. With parasitoid density increasing from 1 to 8, the per capita searching efficiency decreased from 0.12 h-1to 0.06 h-1. The results suggested thatP. voluvrehas the potential to be a biocontrol agent ofS. avenae. However, evaluation of foraging behavior warrants further investigation under field conditions.

Field Biology of Edessa rufomarginata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Phenology, Behavior, and Patterns of Host Plant Use

Pentatomids may cause direct and indirect damage to important crop plants. Biological and ecological features of phytophagous stink bugs in natural environments, however, remain poorly documented. Here, we provide an ecological account of Edessa rufomarginata De Geer on Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) in the Brazilian savanna. The phenology of E. rufomarginata matched that of its host plant, with immatures developing in the wet season simultaneously with the production of vegetative and reproductive plant tissue. Females do not exhibit parental care and lay eggs more frequently on larger plants. Oviposition frequency, however, does not differ between plants with and without flowers/fruits. Nymphs and adults usually feed on stem parts and more rarely on flower buds and fruits. First- and second-instar nymphs remain aggregated, but disperse as third-instar nymphs. Adults and nymphs were more abundant on mature stems of C. brasiliense compared with other plant locations. Ants visiting the plant to search for extrafloral nectar occasionally tap the abdomen of E. rufomarginata nymphs with their antennae to obtain honeydew. This is the first record of trophobiotic interactions between Edessa stinkbugs and ants, and one of the few for heteropterans. The interaction of the stink bug with other natural enemies, such as predaceous Heniartes (Reduviidae), was also observed. Given the pest status of Edessa species for crop plants, additional field studies on host plants, interaction with ants, and natural enemies in native habitats are needed for an effective management of these stink bugs in tropical agricultural systems.

Adaptive Traits of Riptortus pedestris Nymphs (Heteroptera: Alydidae) for Locating Host Plants

Abstract Riptortus pedestris (F.) (Heteroptera: Alydidae) females oviposit not only on host plants but also on nonhosts, which may impose high costs on nymphs in terms of locomotion energy and time searching for host plants. Therefore, we hypothesized that second-instar nymphs have developed adaptive traits that help them access host plants, because the first feeding stage occurs during the second instar in this bug. We compared responses to the aggregation pheromone, relative leg lengths, and locomotion performance using a servosphere locomotion compensator as tests of physiological, morphometric, and behavioral traits, respectively, among the instars. We also investigated the effects of delayed feeding in the second instar on subsequent survival and development. Our results indicated that second-instar nymphs might have responded more sensitively to synthetic aggregation pheromone than other instars. Morphological measurements showed that second-instar nymphs had the longest relative leg length compared with other instars. The experiment using the servosphere revealed that second-instar nymphs had higher locomotion performance than did older nymphs, which may allow second-instar nymphs to walk a distance comparable to older nymphs, although their body size is much smaller. However, we did find that more than a 48-h delay in feeding after the first-instar molt decreased subsequent survival rates and that a later first-feeding led to a longer developmental period during the second instar. We concluded that R. pedestris nymphs have evolved various adaptive traits to enhance the probability of accessing host plants in response to the costly oviposition habit of adult females that lay eggs on nonhosts.

Differential regulations of wing and ovarian development and heterochronic changes of embryogenesis between morphs in wing polyphenism of the vetch aphid

In wing polyphenisms that produced alternative wing morphs depending on environmental conditions, the developmental regulations to balance between flight and reproductive abilities should be important. Many species of aphids exhibit wing polyphenisms, and the development of wing and flight muscles is thought to incur costs of reproductive ability. To evaluate the relationship between flight and reproduction, the fecundity and the wing- and ovarian development in the parthenogenetic generations were compared between winged and wingless aphids in the vetch aphid Megoura crassicauda. Although no differences in offspring number and size were detected, the onset of larviposition after imaginal molt was delayed in winged adults. The comparison of growth in flight apparatus revealed that, after the second-instar nymphs, the flight-apparatus primordia of presumptive wingless aphids were degenerated while those of winged nymphs rapidly developed. In the ovaries of winged line, the embryo size was smaller and the embryonic stages were delayed from third to fifth instars, although these differences had disappeared by the time of larviposition. It is therefore likely that the delay in larviposition in winged aphids is due to the slower embryonic development. The correlation between embryo size and developmental stage suggests that the embryos of winged aphids are better developed than similarly sized embryos in wingless aphids. These heterochronic shifts would facilitate the rapid onset of larviposition after the dispersal flight. This developmental regulation of embryogenesis in the aphid wing polyphenism is suggested to be an adaptation that compensates the delay of reproduction caused by the wing development.

Effect of host plant on susceptibility of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) to the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales)

We determined host plant effect on susceptibility of whitefly Bemisia tabaci to the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana under controlled conditions. Insects were reared on cucumber, eggplant, tomato or cabbage. Fungal suspensions of 1×104, 105, 106, 107 and 108 conidia/mL were applied on second-instar nymphs. Nymphal survival significantly differed among different host plant species on which the nymphs were reared. Ten days after inoculation with 1×108 conidia/mL, percent survival was 4.2±0.7, 9.6±0.4, 13.4±0.8, and 24.3±0.9% on cucumber, eggplant, tomato and cabbage, respectively. Average survival times of nymphs were also significantly influenced by host plant species. After inoculation with 1×108 conidia/mL, survival times were 4.8±0.15, 6.0±0.11, 5.7±0.13, and 6.2±0.08 days for nymphs reared on cucumber, eggplant, tomato, and cabbage, respectively. Virulence also differed depending on host plant species; 10 days after inoculation, LC50 values were 4.6×104, 1.6×105, 4.2×105 and 2.1×106 conidia/mL on cucumber, eggplant, tomato and cabbage, respectively. Nymphs on cucumber showed highest susceptibility.

Pathogenicity of Isaria sp. (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) against the sweet potato whitefly B biotype, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

The pathogenicity of a naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria sp., found during natural epizootics on whiteflies in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, against the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B, was tested under laboratory conditions (27 °C, 70% RH and a photoperiod of 14:10 h light:dark). Exposure of second-, third- and fourth-instar nymphs to 20, 200, and 1000 spores/mm 2, on sweet potato leaves resulted in insect mortality. Median lethal concentrations for second-instar nymphs (72–118 spores/mm 2) were similar to those for third-instar nymphs (101–170 spores/mm 2), which were significantly more susceptible than fourth-instar nymphs (166–295 spores/mm 2). The mean time to death was less for second instars (3 days) than for third instars (4 days) when exposed to 1000 spores/mm 2. Mycosis in adult whiteflies became evident after delayed infections of sweet potato whitefly caused by this fungus. These results indicate that Isaria sp. is pathogenic to B. tabaci nymphs, and to adults through delayed infections caused by this fungus. Its low lethal concentrations and high virulence against B. tabaci make this fungus a promising biocontrol agent to control whitefly.

Susceptibility of immature stages of the locusts Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria migratorioides to the microsporidium Johenrea locustae and effects of infection on feeding and fertility in the laboratory

Second instar nymphs of African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria migratorioides, and desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, were tested for their susceptibility to the microsporidium pathogen Johenrea locustae (Lange et al. 1996, Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 68, 28) in the laboratory. Spores of J. locustae were produced from live L.m. migratorioides, a conspecific to L. migratoria capito. Locusta m. migratorioides and S. gregaria were exposed to wheat seedlings sprayed with 20 mL of three concentrations (106, 107 and 108 spores mL−1). Both second-instar nymphs of L.m. migratorioides and S. gregaria were susceptible to J. locustae infection at the three concentrations. There was no effect of concentration of the microsporidium on mortalities of S. gregaria (92–98%) 19 days postinfection. Adjusted mortality in L.m. migratorioides at 19 days post-exposure was 24, 43 and 80% at the corresponding treatment concentrations. The effect of infection on fecundity was tested on both L.m. migratorioides and S. gregaria. Spinach leaf discs were treated with different concentrations (0, 104, 105 and 106 spores mL−1) of J. locustae and presented to female insects for 24 h. Female L.m. migratorioides surviving infection as nymphs laid significantly fewer egg pods than untreated controls at all levels of exposure. The number of eggs per female was also significantly lower in treated lots than in the controls. Higher spore concentrations also adversely affected egg hatching rate. The effect of J. locustae infection on feeding was tested on S. gregaria. There was a significant decrease in food intake among S. gregaria nymphs treated only at the high concentration (106 spores mL−1).

The effect of the quality and size of host aphid species on the biological characteristics of Aphidius colemani (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae)

A suitable host provides, at least, the minimum nutritional and physiological conditions for the development of the imma- ture stages of a parasitoid. Host quality may influence the developmental time, mortality rate, longevity and fecundity of parasitoids. This work evaluates the suitability and quality of Aphis gossypii Glover, Brevicoryne brassicae (Linne), Myzus persicae (Sulzer), Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) and Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) as hosts for Aphidius colemani Viereck. Twenty second-instar nymphs of each aphid species were exposed to parasitism for one hour, and then kept in a climatic chamber at 22 ± 1°C, 70 ± 10% RH and a 12 h photophase. The aphid B. brassicae was unsuitable for the development of A. colemani. The different aphid host spe- cies varied in size: M. persicae > (R. maidis = S. graminum) > A. gossypii. Parasitoid fitness decreased accordingly when reared on (M. persicae = R. maidis) > S. graminum > A. gossypii. Large hosts seem to be better than small hosts based on parasitoid size. Egg load of A. colemani was related probably more on the ability of the parasitoid larva to obtain nutritional resources from the different host species than on host size.

Life History of &lt;I&gt;Paracoccus marginatus&lt;/I&gt; (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Four Host Plant Species Under Laboratory Conditions

Life history of the mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink, on three ornamental plants [Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., Acalypha wilkesiana (Muell.-Arg.), and Plumeria rubra L.] and one weed species (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) was studied under laboratory conditions. Mealybugs were able to develop, survive, and reproduce on all four hosts; however, there were differences in the life history parameters. Adult females that developed on acalypha and parthenium emerged approximately 1 d earlier than those that developed on hibiscus and plumeria. Adult males had a longer developmental time on plumeria than on the other hosts. Survival of first- and second-instar nymphs and cumulative adult survival were lowest on plumeria. Longevity was not affected by hosts for males and females and averaged 2.3 +/- 0.1 and 21.2 +/- 0.1 d, respectively. On plumeria, 58.9 +/- 1.7% of the adults were females, which was a higher female percentage than on the other hosts. No egg production occurred in virgin females. Prereproductive and reproductive periods of the females were not affected by hosts and averaged 6.3 +/- 0.1 and 11.2 +/- 0.1 d, respectively. Mean fecundity of 186.3 +/- 1.8 eggs on plumeria was lower than on the other three plant species. Life history parameters of P. marginatus on hibiscus, acalypha, plumeria, and parthenium show its ability to develop, survive, and reproduce on a wide variety of plant species.