Life history of Mecidea major with descriptions of nymphal instars (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Pentatomidae)

By

Bundy, Scott
McPherson, J. E.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2018

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

796

Pages

335-346

Subjects

Description , Eggs , life history , Mecidea major , Pentatomidae

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.796.21325

 

Abstract

The life history of the stink bug Mecideamajor Sailer was studied in the southern half of New Mexico primarily from January 2005 through December 2007, and the nymphal instars were described. This species was active throughout the year as adults and nymphs, including the winter months. It occurred on various species of grasses during this time but primarily on Lehmann lovegrass, Eragrostislehmanniana Nees; grama grasses, Bouteloua spp.; and tobosagrass, Pleuraphismutica Buckley. The times of occurrence and abundance of the eggs, nymphs, and adults suggest this species is bivoltine with the possibility of a third generation. Instars can be distinguished by several morphological features including body size and presence and relative development of wing pads.