Notes on the identity and biology of the<i>Riptortus</i>spp. (Heteroptera: Alydidae) associated with cowpeas in Nigeria

Abstract

Summary A systematic review of the Riptortus spp. associated with cowpeas in Nigeria is given. It is suggested that two species—R. dentipes and R. acantharis—are associated with the crop and that R. tenuicornis is a synonym of R. acantharis. Biological observations on both species are provided along with descriptions of the nymphs and keys for separating the different instars.