Aspects of the biology of Scolypopa australis Walker (Homoptera : Ricaniidae)

Abstract

Aspects of the biology of Scolypopa australis Walker (Homoptera: Ricaniidae) were studied in the Waikato region. Attempts were made to fill some gaps in the knowledge of what is in New Zealand an important species. A general outline of the life history of S. australis is given, followed by studies of three particular facets of the species' biology. A large experiment was set up to study the egg diapause but was not a success, and consequently little information of the embryonic diapause was obtained. The morphology of the chorion of the egg was studied with both the light and electron microscopes, and a quantity of information about the external and internal architecture of the shell was obtained. The egg bears an anterior micropylar process which contains both the single micropyle and the air-containing meshwork layer of the chorion where it meets the atmosphere. The egg has no hydropyle. An inner meshwork layer of the chorion is visible with the light microscope. Measurements were made of six different body parts on each of 220 S. australis nymphs, and it was found that the width of the post-clypeus and tne length of the proboscis can be used to define the five nymphal instars. No comprehensive bibliography of the species has ever been published, thus reasonably exhaustive lists of references are given. More accurate information on the habits and distribution of the species outside New Zealand is given.