The pest status and biology of spilostethus pandurus lygaeidae heteroptera
Thangavelu, K.
Entomon 4(2): 137-142
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0377-9335 Accession: 006733558
S. pandurus (Scop.) the south Indian milkweed bug is recorded as a pest of gingelly (Sesamum indicum) in southern India. Sorghum vulgare (Poaceae) and Gossypium hirsutum (Malvaceae) are also confirmed as host plants of this species. Vernonia cinerea (Compositae) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (Malvaceae), are reported for the 1st time as host plants of this polyphagous species. The host plant association of S. pandurus in gingelly field is established as Calotropis gigantea (Asclepiadaceae). Host preference, oviposition sites and predators of this species are discussed. Biological data concerning longevity and fecundity are described based on laboratory experiments. The population dynamics of this species for 1 yr on Calotropis, the principal host and Vernonia cinerea are recorded.