ON THE HOST-RANGE OF THE DELPHACID PLANTHOPPER STOBAERA-PALLIDA OSBORN (HOMOPTERA)

The host specificity of Stobaera pallida was investigated as part of a biological control program against Baccharis halimifolia. This planth opper was collected from B. halimifolia and B. neglecta in the United States and from B. conferta in Mexico. In laboratory studies it ovipos ited in B. halimifolia and B. neglecta but not on 31 other plant speci es. Early instar nymphs survived on B. halimifolia and B. neglecta but not on five other asteraceous species. The host range for this insect was considered to be confined to the genus Baccharis and most probabl y the section Baccharis within that genus.