Laboratory observations on the biology of Cicadulina spp. (Hom., Cicadellidae), with particular reference to the effects of temperature

Abstract

Laboratory cultures of Cicadulina mbila (Naudé), C. storeyi China and C. parazeae Ghauri derived from field wheat at Salisbury, Rhodesia, during August 1967 were maintained on caged pots of dwarf wheat seedlings. At constant temperatures of 23, 25 and 30°C developmental periods for eggs and adults were similar for all three species. Cultures of C. mbila were reared at a wider range of temperatures (15–30°C) and developmental rates for eggs, and male and female adults were shown to be well expressed by logistic equations. Mean durations are given for the five nymphal stages reared at 26°C. In C. mbila males and females had a similar life span, fecundity was greatest at 28°C, and there was a predominance of males reared from eggs laid by females less than 15 days old.