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Some Ethological Aspects of Chrysocoris Stolli Wolf (Heteroptera - Pentat Omidae –Scutellerinae)

Abstract

Pentatomid bugs are generally injurious to crops of human consumption and causes considerable loss. Chrysocoris stolli infests cereal food plants of economic value as mentioned by Dhiman & Kumar. In this paper some ethological aspects of this beautiful metallic green bug are taken. Studies were carried out during three consecutive years (2004 to 2006) both in laboratory and field. Hibernation occurs in adult stage from November to February gregarious behaviour occurs in nymphal stages while adults are found solitary. Younger nymphs remain aggregated at one leaf. These nymphs show alarming mimicry which provides protection from enemies. It was also observed that female adult bug remains nearby to younger nymphs showing parental care. The evolution of parental care represents an extra ordinary breakthrough in adaptation of an organism to their environment. Female also scarce away egg and nymphal parasitoid by kicking legs and fluttering wings. For migration, generally local flights are performed in search of food and mate while long flights are taken in absence of food plants. For taking long flights, bugs take position on the plant surface, take out hind wings from beneath the scutellum and then taking leap in the air starts beating its wings. At the new place, on host plant, at first, only few bugs appear which after reproduction starts building population. Over crowding is also a one of the reasons for migration. For copulation, competition was observed between a female and three male. After 15 minutes only one male succeeded for copulation.

Pravesh Kumar and SC Dhiman

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