Biology of <I>Iphita limbata</I> Stal, a Pest of forest Tree <I>Trewia <I>nudiflora</I> Linn

Abstract

Iphita limbata is a phytophagous, sap sucking forest dwelling bug which mainly infests Trewia nudiflora trees in Marshy forest area of Haridwar. Iphita limbata mates within three to eight days after emergence. The average duration of mating is 72 hrs. A preoviposition period of 3 to 7 days is required and takes 3 to 16 hrs for the entire process of oviposition and 2 to 29 eggs are laid as an average by a female in two batches. The newly laid egg is white transparent within a average length of 2.182 mm and width 1.258 mm. The average incubation period lasts for 15 days. There are five nymphal instars which undergoes five times moulding with an average of 50 days of nymphal period before emerging into an adult. It complete its life cycle in 55 to 79 days. The female survives longer (91 days) than the male (75 days).