BIOLOGY AND IMMATURE STAGES OF LEUCOPIS VERTICALIS (DIPTERA: CHAMAEMYIIDAE)

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Abstract
The life cycle of Leucopis (Leucopis) verticalis Malloch, a chamaemyiid predator of mealybugs, is presented. There are at least two and probably four generations a year in northeastern Ohio, with overwintering occurring as diapausing pupae. Eggs are laid in or near colonies of Pseudococcus comstocki (Kuwana) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) infesting such ornamental shrubs as Taxus cuspidata Sieb. and Zucc. var. hicksii Rehd (Japanese yew) and Euonymus Fortunei (Turez.) Hand-Mazz. (wintercreeper). The incubation period requires 48–72 hours at 21°–25 °C. Larvae complete development in 12–15 days. Larvae feed by breaking through the integument of the prey with their mouthhooks and sucking out the body contents. Each larva usually kills all of the immature mealybugs within a colony before attacking the stem mother. Puparia are formed within the remains of the destroyed colony. The pupal period of non-diapausing pupae requires about 12 days. Pupae formed after mid-September enter diapause and overwinter. The entire life cycle in nature can be completed in 33–42 days if no diapause intervenes.The egg, three larval instars, and puparium are described and illustrated.

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