LIFE-CYCLE AND REARING OF THE SHIELD-BACKED BUG PACHYCORIS-KLUGII IN NICARAGUA (HETEROPTERA, SCUTELLERIDAE)

The biology and life cycle of Pachycoris klugii Burmeister 1835 [Heter optera: Scutelleridae], a key pest of physic nut Jatropha curcas Linna eus 1753 [Euphorbiaceae] in Nicaragua, were studied in the field and t he laboratory. The species is multivoltine and each female oviposits r epeatedly during the rainy season. In the dry season adults go into hi ding. Laboratory experiments do not confirm a diapause but indicate a preference for protected, dark habitats. During this phase the adults show no tolerance to food deprivation. Total development time from egg to adult under natural conditions is 40 days. Larval development stag es can be distinguished by the width of the head capsule and pronotum. Rearing on a natural diet is possible, and the survival rates obtaine d were favourable.