Life cycle of Megymenum distanti Kocorek & Ghate, 2012 on Momordica indica L. (Heteroptera, Dinidoridae)

Abstract

The life history of a dinidorid bug Megymenum distanti Kocorek & Ghate, 2012 was examined under controlled laboratory conditions. The female bug laid about 32 eggs after mating. Only 8 of these 32 eggs actually hatched, for a hatching ratio of only 25 per cent and these 8 nymphs were observed further. The eggs required 11 to 13 days to hatch. There were five nymphal stages, lasting 48 days in total. The nymphal periods for the first, second, third, fourth, and the fifth instars were 11, 9, 8, 7 and 13 days, respectively. Male adults survived 21 days on average, whereas female adults lived 32 days on average after mating. Within 82-93 days, the entire life cycle was completed. Except for the first instar nymph, both nymphs and adults feed on leaves of Momordica indica L.