Laboratory Rearing of Callitettix versicolor (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha: Cercopidae), with Descriptions of the Immature Stages

Abstract

Abstract Callitettix versicolor (F., 1794) (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha: Cercopidae) was reared from egg to adult under controlled laboratory conditions and the immature stages were described. Adults of this spittlebug were collected from a maize field and were reared in the laboratory on fruits of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabales: Fabaceae). Nymphs were reared on roots of rice seedlings. Adults, eggs, and nymphs were all maintained in an artificial climate chamber at 27 ± 1°C, photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h, and 70 ± 5% relative humidity. The incubation period averaged 102.63 d. The five stadia averaged 5.36, 5.48, 7.06, 7.92, and 12.67 d, respectively. Instars can be distinguished by differences in morphological features, body size, and body color.