Food of Nymphs and Adults of Neoschöngastia indica (Hirst 1915)

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Abstract
Engorged larvae of N. indica were removed from Guam rats (Rattus rattus) and incub. at 32 [degree]C. Nymphs emerged 5 days later. They were kept in weighing bottles coated with plaster of Paris to which 5% activated charcoal was added. Of various foods tested for growth, 1 adult developed in one of 11 cultures of young forms fed on soil concentrates, and a 2d in one culture of 11 fed on jungle litter to which a live millipede was added. It is doubtful whether the nymphs were successful in taking food. Occasionally nymphs may eat each other. Eggs and early larval instars of the many small arthropods associated with N. indica appeared to be suitable food for nymphs, and many adults developed. These probably comprise a significant par! of the diet in nature.

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