Unusual oviposition behavior by a seed feeding bug (Heteroptera: Rhopalidae)

Abstract

Jadera choprai Göllner-Scheiding (Heteroptera: Rhopalidae) feeds on the ground on mature seeds of Cardiospermum halicacabum (L.) (Sapindaceae). Laboratory observations indicated that females dug a hole of ca. 0.5 cm in the the soil with the forelegs, laid eggs, and covered them with lose soil. In artificial conditions, females buried the eggs in over 60% of the ovipositions, and nymphs were able to reach the soil surface from eggs buried 4 cm. This oviposition behavior is rare among seed suckers heteropterans, that usually oviposit on host plants.