REARING THE BLACK HORNED TREE CRICKET, OECANTHUS NIGRICORNIS (ORTHOPTERA: GRYLLIDAE)

Abstract

AbstractBlack horned tree crickets, Oecanthus nigricornis (Walker), were continuously reared for the first time in the laboratory. Optimum rearing conditions per unit effort involved 2 months at −5 °C to terminate egg diapause, and subsequent incubation of eggs from infested raspberry cane segments at 27 °C and 45% relative humidity. Eggs began hatching in 2 weeks, and second generation eggs were obtained within 2.5 months. The best survival from egg to adult was 55%. The possibility that male tree crickets provide a nutritional investment in their progeny is discussed.