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Life History and Laboratory Rearing of Nepa apiculata (Heteroptera: Nepidae), with Descriptions of Immature Stages1
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1987
Year
BiologyArthropod TaxonomyNatural SciencesInsect ConservationEvolutionary BiologyEntomologyLaboratory RearingLife HistoryBiological Life CyclePopulation DevelopmentNepa ApiculataNematologyTropical Insect SciencePublic HealthSouthern IllinoisChaoborus AmericanusParasitology
The life history of Nepa apiculata Uhler was studied in southern Illinois, and immature stages were described. The bug was reared from egg to adult in the laboratory. Adults of this univoltine species overwintered under the water in mud and detritus near the shoreline and became active in late March. The few eggs found were deposited singly in mud away from the shoreline between early May and mid-June. First instars appeared in mid-May, after which there was marked overlapping of the three subsequent instars. This insect is one of only a few heteropterans with four instars. Active adults were last observed during mid-October. Individuals were reared on Chaoborus americanus (Johannsen) larvae under a 16:8 (L:D) photoperiod at 26.7± 1.5°C. The incubation period averaged 14.1 d. Durations of the four subsequent stadia averaged 9.1, 8.8, 10.5, and 17.3 d respectively. Total developmental time averaged 59.8 d.