The life history of<i>Riptortus dentipes</i>F. (Alydidae, Heteroptera) A pest of growing cowpea pods

Abstract

Summary The preoviposition and oviposition periods of R. detipes are described and discussed. The egg is described and its hatching process portrayed. The descriptions of the five instars of the neanides and their development are also given. Lower room temperature resulted in longer periods of development of both eggs and neanides. Differences between neanides and adults are pointed out and the longevity and sex-ratio of adults are also discussed.